September 27, 2004 – If your outlook on the world is cynical and frequently makes you feel angry, your heart will be at greater risk for certain diseases. This claim is now scientifically measurable, according to the results of an American study1.
A group of 70 physically healthy men and 57 women responded to a questionnaire assessing their attitude to life. The level of C reactive protein in the blood of the participants was then measured. This protein is a substance found in the body during infection, stress or when the immune system is under attack. It is linked to the narrowing of the arteries and serves as a biological marker to determine the possible risk of certain coronary heart diseases, such as myocardial infarction.
Participants with mild to moderate depression, as well as those showing feelings of anger, had two to three times the C-reactive protein level than those with a more relaxed demeanor. These results were obtained while the participants did not have any of the conditions associated with heart disease such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes.
The author of the study affirms that these results illustrate to what extent our psychological behaviors are determining in the evolution of our physical health. Psychological factors could even explain up to 50% of heart attacks in people who do not have any of the risk factors traditionally associated with heart disease.
Longer-term studies will be able to establish this biochemical link in a satisfactory manner in order to better guide the development of strategies for the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
According to CBS
1. Suarez EC, C-reactive protein is associated with psychological risk factors of cardiovascular disease in apparently healthy adults, Psychosomatic Medicine, Sept.-Oct. 2004, Vol. 66, No. 5, 684-91.
