Stress & anger worsens heart attack prognosis

Stress and anger worsen myocardial infarction prognosis

02/09/2011

Heart attack patients experiencing emotional distress and stress in their daily lives have a worse overall prognosis for recovery, according to an Italian long-term study by the Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa. The study showed that cardiac patients should not rely solely on the administration of medication, but an emotionally positive way of life is indispensable.

Patients who have already had a myocardial infarction and are often annoyed and stressed even after the heart attack have a worse prognosis than those who lead a balanced and happy life. This was the result of a 10-year study by the Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, which was recently presented at the European Cardiology Congress in Paris. As particularly damaging emotions, the researchers named anger, aggression, hostility, fear and social isolation. While negative feelings have a damaging effect on the heart, positive feelings can increase the chances of recovery, as the scientists emphasized. According to the study results, this includes compassion, imagination, security and spiritual interests. All of these emotions can protect the heart from harmful influences, as stated in the study report.

Anger and anger worsen chances of recovery
A total of 228 subjects from 13 cardiac specialty clinics participated in the study. All participants suffered a heart attack between 1990 and 1995. The main goal of the study was to put patients' emotional behaviors in context with the prognosis. A personality test was used to observe the participants for over ten years. During the study period, a total of 51 cardiac events, such as a recurrent myocardial infarction, were registered. Using statistical analysis, the research team investigated the influence of mental factors, taking into account external events such as age, gender, and clinical data. The analysis procedure then made it possible to make a concrete prediction for the further prognosis. The evaluation of the data showed that anxiety, anger and anger at a high level had a massive impact on the recovery prognosis. Cardiac patients who experienced excessive anger and anger in their daily lives showed a 2.3-fold higher risk of heart attack than those who were more in balance. Those who continued to be stressed despite their heart attack had a 1.9-fold increased risk of cardiac events. Patients with little aggravation suffered no further myocardial infarction in 78.5% of cases during the ten-year follow-up. Subjects with a lot of anger and anger in the stomach showed only a positive rate of 57.4 percent.

„These relationships are important for patients after an acute myocardial infarction with their particular vulnerability and increased risk. The good news is that these patients have a chance to change their behavior“, so study leader Franco Bonaguidi. „This is a good time for psychological interventions and behavioral therapy when patients need it”, the heart specialist warned.

Reduce stress and anger
The study data again show how important it is to be in harmony with body and mind. According to the authors, therefore, the patient must „multidimensional therapeutic approach“ be enabled. In addition to the administration of medicines, psychological support in the form of psychotherapy is of great importance. This does not treat the feeling as such, but the deeper pain that hides behind such emotional impulses.

In natural medicine, heart attack patients in order therapy can learn to reduce stress and to experience rest periods. A healthy level of physical activity also helps reduce stress and recharge your batteries. To prevent stress and anger, non-medical practitioners recommend autogenic training, self-hypnosis and muscle relaxation. (Sb)

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Gerd Altmann / Shapes: AllSilhouettes.com