Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have uncovered a compelling link between mental health and heart health. In a detailed study, they found that individuals who experience higher levels of anger and anxiety tend to have an increased risk of developing heart disease. The findings point to measurable changes in heart function, including reduced ventricular efficiency, stiffer arteries, and signs of myocardial fibrosis. The research was published in the European Heart Journal.
The study analyzed heart X-ray images from a large group of 36,309 volunteers to explore how psychological well-being relates to myocardial function. Alongside the imaging work, researchers assessed personality traits for each participant through specialized questionnaires designed to capture enduring patterns of thoughts and feelings. This combination of physiological data and psychological profiling allowed the team to draw connections between personality characteristics and heart health outcomes.
One notable outcome was the association between neuroticism and a higher predisposition to heart disease. Neuroticism encompasses a tendency toward restlessness, heightened emotional responses, irritability, and self-doubt. Individuals exhibiting this trait showed signs consistent with ventricular dysfunction, a reduction in left ventricular mass, and the presence of myocardial fibrosis. Additionally, these individuals tended to display greater arterial stiffness, a factor linked to cardiovascular risk. Importantly, these associations persisted even after accounting for traditional risk factors such as smoking and obesity, suggesting a robust relationship between mental state and heart physiology.
The researchers emphasized the interplay between mental and physical health, suggesting that addressing psychological well-being could influence heart disease risk. They noted that interventions such as psychotherapy might contribute to lowering cardiovascular risk among individuals exhibiting high levels of anxiety or neurotic traits. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that the mind and body are closely connected in ways that shape long-term health outcomes.
New insights from the study also point to a broader picture of how lifestyle and emotional health intersect with heart risk. While medical factors like diet, exercise, and smoking remain important, mental health plays a distinct role in shaping physiological responses related to the heart and blood vessels. This underscores the value of comprehensive health approaches that integrate psychological support with traditional cardiovascular prevention strategies, aiming to improve overall well-being and reduce the likelihood of heart-related complications over time.