Mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia and cardiac events

Article Abstract:

Mental stress could contribute to heart disease by causing a decrease in the supply of blood to the heart, a condition called myocardial ischemia. Researchers gave an exercise stress test and a series of mental challenges to 126 people with a history of coronary artery disease and exercise-induced ischemia. The mental challenges included doing math, reading, speaking in public and evaluations for type A behavior. Sixty-seven percent of the patients experienced myocardial ischemia during the mental challenges, measured by radionuclide ventriculography. Sixty-eight percent also experienced exercise-induced ischemia. The participants were followed for at least two years. During the follow-up, 28 patients had a cardiac event such as a heart attack or the need for bypass surgery or angioplasty. Those who had experienced mental stress-induced ischemia were twice as likely to have a cardiac event as those who did not. Each 1% reduction in blood flow during mental stress was linked to an 8% increase in risk of a cardiac event. Math calculations were most strongly linked to myocardial ischemia.

Physiological aspects, Heart diseases

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Effects of Mental Stress in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Article Abstract:

There is increasing evidence that emotions and stress can trigger chest pain and heart attacks in people with coronary artery disease. Stress causes physiological changes in the body, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Other changes occur that can increase blood clot formation and arrhythmias. For this reason, it may be useful to screen all patients with coronary artery disease for strees, anxiety, depression and other psychosocial problems.

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Marital Stress Worsens Prognosis in Women With Coronary Heart Disease: The Stockholm Female Coronary Risk Study

Article Abstract:

Marital stress tripled the risk of a heart attack or episode of unstable chest pain in a study of 292 women with coronary heart disease. On the other hand, work stress did not increase the risk.

Women, Unstable angina

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