A recent study presented at the 2023 American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions highlighted the link between mental health and cardiovascular disease. The study found that anxiety and depression can hasten the onset of cardiovascular risk factors, that cumulative stress scores are significantly associated with heart disease, and that mental health has a significant impact on heart health.
Two other studies presented at the same session also linked mental health and heart health, showing that depression and anxiety may accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors and critical events. According to one study conducted in Boston, people with a higher genetic susceptibility to stress developed cardiovascular risk factors at a younger age than those without the genetic marker. A separate Dallas-based study found that accumulated stress contributes to negative health behaviors such as smoking, leading to worsened cardiovascular health.
The American Heart Association emphasizes that mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress increase the risk of poor heart health. Two new studies have found that a person’s mental state may affect their health to a greater extent than previously thought.
One study examined the mechanisms by which mental state affects heart health, finding that depression and anxiety accelerate the development of new cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers found that people with depression or anxiety developed new risk factors on average six months earlier than those without mental health conditions, and were at a higher risk for major cardiovascular events. Another study showed that cumulative stress scores were significantly associated with increased risks of atherosclerosis and overall cardiovascular disease.
Researchers encouraged more frequent screenings for cardiovascular risk factors in people with depression and anxiety, and suggested that treatment for these mental health conditions may reduce the acceleration of cardiovascular risk factors.
The two studies presented at the 2023 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions underscore the interdependence of mental and heart health, and emphasize the need for proactive care for mental health conditions in order to improve overall heart health.
Source: scitechdaily.com
