Perceived Stress May Predict Future Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

27% increased risk for newly diagnosed heart disease or death among those with high perceived stress

Are you stressed? Results of a new meta-analysis of six studies involving nearly 120,000 people indicate that the answer to that question may help predict one’s risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD) or death from CHD. The study, led by Columbia University Medical Center researchers, was published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

The six studies included in the analysis were large prospective observational cohort studies in which participants were asked about their perceived stress (e.g., “How stressed do you feel?” or “How often are you stressed?”). Respondents scored either high or low; researchers then followed them for an average of 14 years to compare the number of heart attacks and CHD deaths between the two groups. Results demonstrate that high perceived stress is associated with a 27% increased risk for incident CHD (defined as a new diagnosis or hospitalization) or CHD mortality.

“While it is generally accepted that stress is related to heart disease, this is the first meta-analytic review of the association of perceived stress and incident CHD,” said senior author Donald Edmondson, PhD, assistant professor of behavioral medicine at CUMC. “This is the most precise estimate of that relationship, and it gives credence to the widely held belief that general stress is related to heart health. In comparison with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, high stress provides a moderate increase in the risk of CHD – e.g., the equivalent of a 50 mg/dL increase in LDL cholesterol, a 2.7/1.4 mmHg increase in blood pressure or smoking five more cigarettes per day.”

“These findings are significant because they are applicable to nearly everyone,” said first author Safiya Richardson, MD, who collaborated with Dr. Edmondson on the paper while attending the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (she graduated in 2012 and is currently a resident at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System in Manhasset, New York). “The key takeaway is that how people feel is important for their heart health, so anything they can do to reduce stress may improve their heart health in the future.”

Coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease, is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. CHD is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women; more than 385,000 people die each year from CHD.

The researchers did further analysis to try to learn what might underlie the association between stress and CHD. They found that while gender was not a significant factor, age was. The people in the studies were between the ages of 43–74; among older people, the relationship between stress and CHD was stronger.

“While we do not know for certain why there appears to be an association between age and the effect of perceived stress on CHD, we think that stress may be compounding over time. For example, someone who reports high perceived stress at age 60 may also have felt high stress at ages 40 and 50, as well.” Dr. Edmondson also noted that older individuals tend to have worse CHD risk factors such as hypertension to begin with, and that stress may interact with those risk factors to produce CHD events.

“The next step is to conduct randomized trials to assess whether broad population-based measures to decrease stress are cost-effective. Further research should look at whether the stress that people report is about actual life circumstances (e.g., moving or caregiving), or about stable personality characteristics (e.g., type A vs. B), said Dr. Edmondson.

“We also need to ask why we found this association between stress and CHD, e.g., what biological components or mechanisms are involved, and what is the role of environment or lifestyle (e.g., diet, alcohol and drug use, exercise), and how best to moderate these factors to lower the risk of CHD,” said Dr. Richardson.

health news stress levels rising

Stress is probably something that many of us have encountered at some point during our lives. The symptoms of stress can be fairly unpleasant – disturbed sleep, upset stomach, anxiety and so on. And so, too can the health risks – while stress isn’t – according to the British Heart Foundation – a ‘direct risk factor’ for cardiovascular disease, some of the ways we deal with it may be risky. Examples of this are things like smoking to deal with stress, and also eating too much or drinking too much alcohol.

Managing stress is a definite health plus – and if you’re looking at ways to manage stress you might find that it also helps you approach stressful situations in a different way. Recognising stress triggers and understanding what causes you to become stressed means that you’ll be able to look at situations with objectivity and manage stress accordingly.

Some of the recommended ways of managing stress will also have benefits in other areas of your life – for instance getting exercise and staying active are well known ways to fight stress. And they will, of course, also help to keep your weight in check, and your fitness levels up.  

This week in the health pages there was an interesting statistic making the headlines – a 7 percent rise in English hospital admissions due to stress. The reason for the rise could be down to a combination of factors but leading mental health organisation The Mental health Foundation believe it could be a result of the recession . It could also be that people in work feel they have to stay later and get more done during the working day in a recession.

Stress Damage Dental Health

Stress Damage Dental Health | Stress is not only burdensome but also the health of the mind, one healthy teeth and gums. Close relationship between periodontal problems and psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness that have been scientifically proven.

In a study report published in the Journal of Periodontology mentioned, reducing stress is very meaningful for oral health. One culprit is cortisol, the stress hormone.

Increased levels of cortisol can cause damage to the gums and jaw bone, because periodontal disease (gingivitis). If left untreated periodontal This can lead to tooth loss, even the jaw bone.

Oral and dental problems caused by stress such as thrush, the habit of gnashing of teeth (bruxism), and gum disease.

"People with psychiatric disorders are usually doing unhealthy and lazy habit of treating teeth that can damage the teeth," said Preston J Miller, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. He suggested a relaxation activity to inhibit the production of cortisol.

Source: kompas.com

5 Recognize Symptoms of Stress On Our Bodies

Who does not have stress, it is often experienced by us. In addition to the impact of our activities, stress is also bad teradap health. Symptoms of stress not only followed by an uneasy feeling alone. If you experience one among the 5 things below, provide a bit of time to go out, be on foot or simply calling a friend, advice Stevan E. Hobfoll, PhD, head of the department of behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center.

Here are 5 signs that our body stress.

1. Soreness of the mouth.
Jaw pain could be a sign that we are suffering from teeth grinding (habits to rub teeth usually are unconscious), usually occurs during sleep and is compounded when we are under stress, clear Matthew Messina, DDS, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association.

2. Do not sleep soundly.
When dreaming we would have an enormous positive energy when we are sleeping, and it is the reason why, when I woke up we will have a better mood than when we fell asleep to get started today, obviously Rosalind Cartwright, PhD, professor of psychology at Rush University Medical Center. However, when stress, usually we will wake up more often and the process is very disturbing health. Trying to achieve sleep for 7-8 hours a night, and avoid caffeine and alcohol intake before bed. Because it had a good sleep habit will keep us from stress.

3. Bleeding gums.
According to an analysis of 14 previous studies in Brazil, people who are stressed will have a risk of periodontal disease is greater. Stress increases the hormone cortisol, which will damage the system and allow the body kekebalam bacteria invade the gums, the researchers said. Frequent overtime? And often eat dinner at your desk? Make sure the toothbrush is always placed in an easily accessible place. Not only that, also protect the oral health with exercise and enough sleep. Because this way will help us reduce stress, said Preston Miller, DDS, former president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

4. Acne everywhere.
Stress increases the inflammation that triggers acne, says Gil Yosipovitch, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University. Puree with a skin cream that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which can kill the bacteria, plus non-comedogenic moisturizer that will not make the skin dry. If this treatment does not indicate a response within a few weeks, immediately consult a doctor to get proper treatment.

5. Likes sweets.
Do not immediately blame the sweet snacking on our female hormones, since stress is a trigger factor is more appropriate to blame. When the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania surveyed pre and postmenopausal women, they found only a small surge occurred in the prevalence of snacking on chocolate cravings that occur in postmenopausal women. Researchers say stress, and other factors can trigger hunger for sweet foods, so it is not just a hormonal problem.

so, for those who feel gejala2 above you should immediately take action Tips to avoid prolonged stress relief.

Married Men Rarely Stress

In addition to making life more meaningful, was married and a family can make a man healthy, long life, and rarely stressed.

Health benefits gained from marriage is derived from the low stress hormone, cortisol, and combination of other factors. The low level of cortisol is to make someone respond with better psychological pressure.

Although pernihakan also bring its own stress, men who marry will be easier to deal with other stressors in her life.

His research involved 500 students who are given a series of computer games that create stress. Of all respondents, 40 percent of men and 53 percent of women married or have partners. The researchers also collected saliva samples to measure levels of cortisol and testosterone, before and after the game.

At the beginning of the study, men and single women have the same levels of stress hormones compared to participants who are married. In contrast levels of stress hormones married men is lower, as well as levels of testosterone.

According to researchers, low levels of testosterone is a natural thing and can be easily found in primates or birds that have paternal behavior.

Low bodys ability to deal with stress is an important prerequisite in the health and life expectancy. Those who experience prolonged stress more easily fall sick because of lower body resistance. Stress in the long run can also cause blockages in blood vessels which inevitably result in heart disease.

How To Relieve Stress Without Drugs

How To Relieve Stress Without Drugs - Stress is the most common disease suffered by people who are busy with their lives. Both in the world of work, romance, family and social life. If you belong to one of them, please read the following tips to relieve stress.

How To Relieve Stress Without Drugs

1. Read books
Read the book not only makes us stop thinking about the problem, but also makes us seem to go into a new world that is being read. Read at night is an activity that is recommended. A bedroom is a place that is warm, comfortable, and peaceful.

2. Sitting in the Park
If you are observant, actually quite a lot of "Oasis" small around us. Other than in the area of housing, small green gardens is also pretty much scattered around offices. Take about 5 minutes to sit to enjoy the fresh air.

3. Viewing photos
Look around the back of the photo album is a fun event releases the stress that is cheap and effective. Imagine yourself back in the happy event and feel the sensation.

4. Take a pause
When the emotions have been unable to stem, diverting your attention for a moment to focus on something new. For example, looking into the window, drink hot tea, or notice the tree is blown by the wind. Let your imagination free for a moment.

4. Walk or exercise
Physical activity is a healthy way to release stress because it can trigger the anti-stress hormones. Take a few minutes every morning or after lunch for walking.

5. Meditation
Every activity that could make our attention keep calm and focus already can be called as meditation. Such as: needlepoint, writing, sewing, or sit quietly. Do time 5-10 minutes every day and feel the stress levels decreased.