Many would agree that stress is an inevitable part of life. At some point, arguments and worries are bound to occur between spouses, parents and children, and among family members. This, of course, can result in general irritability, agitation, or even sadness. But if this occurs too often, could a person's heart health be compromised? A recent study points to that likelihood.
The way emotional burden affects the heart is comparable to the way undue physical stress can cause it damage. Amanda Gardner of CNN Health explains, "Middle-age people who feel that their family members are excessively demanding or a source of worry are more than twice as likely as worry-free people to develop angina, the chest pain that occurs with exercise or exertion due to a reduced blood flow to the heart."
Physiologically, when an individual is stressed out, his or her blood pressure, heart rate, and even cholesterol could be unnecessarily elevated. Under stress, a person may tend to overeat, neglect exercise, and smoke, all of which leave the individual susceptible to cardiac-related risk factors. MedicineNet adds, "Studies also link stress to changes in the way blood clots, which increases the risk of heart attack."
The recent study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, focused on 4,573 Danish adults with no history of cardiovascular disease, over a six-year period. Outcomes revealed that one in ten of the adults reported constrictive chest pains, a common symptom of angina. Neharika Sabharwal of the Med Guru goes on to summarize that "...tense relationships with an intimate partner increased the risk of angina three-fold, while troubled relations with kids and other family members elevated the danger two times."
Surprisingly, conflict with a contentious neighbor also made the list of unhealthy relationships, presenting a 1.6-fold higher angina risk.
These findings were steadfast, even after researchers took into account factors like socioeconomic status, living arrangements, and use of heart medications.
Of course, like all studies, this one has its limitations. Internist Len Horovitz, MD, who did not participate in the study suggests, "There's no documentation that the subjective symptoms are borne out by coronary artery disease." In other words, whether or not the participants' chest pain translated to heart disease remains to be seen. Horovitz reassures that the occasional chest pain will likely not lead to a heart attack.
Still, people with chronically strained relationships with a spouse or significant other or a troublesome network of friends and family should be advised to improve upon their current condition. Conflict resolution, stress-reduction techniques (like meditation or exercise), and even acquiring additional emotional support can help dramatically reduce those potentially heart-harming states.
Lauren Liberati - Since 2004, Lauren has been practicing as a registered nurse (RN, BSN) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Her specialty is cardiology, ...
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