Khaberni - A study conducted by scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital revealed a hidden factor that increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The study revealed that chronic stress associated with depression and anxiety disorders directly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers explained that people suffering from depression or anxiety have active stress areas in the brain, which disrupts the functions of the nervous system and increases systemic inflammation, eventually damaging the blood vessels over time.
The team analyzed data from over 85,000 participants in Massachusetts General Hospital's biobank, followed for an average of 3.4 years. During this period, more than 3 thousand individuals experienced serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. Researchers noted that the risk was elevated in those with depression and those with anxiety disorders, but was significantly higher in patients suffering from both disorders, with the risk increase about 32% compared to those with just one disorder.
Further analysis revealed a possible biological pathway for this effect: patients suffering from both depression and anxiety exhibited increased activity in the amygdala, the area responsible for stress response, alongside decreased heart rate variability and elevated levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of chronic inflammation. According to the researchers, this combination leads to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and gradual damage to the blood vessels.
The scientists stressed that the findings do not prove a direct causal relationship, but they clearly highlight the importance of mental health in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
The study was published in the journal (CCI)
