Negativity Linked to Heart Disease in Men
Men that exhibit feelings of anger, hostility, depression, and anxiety may be more prone to coronary heart disease, according to a study published on-line in Psychosomatic Medicine. One of the researchers reporting the study - Edward Suarez, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry at Duke University, explained that the goal of the study was to promote prevention. "We want to help people at earlier points in the life by teaching them ways to cope with problems and how to make wiser choices that promote health," Suarez explained in the press release concerning the study.
The study started in 1985 followed 2,105 men who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Each man was given heart checkups and personality surveys to gauge their anger, hostility, depression and anxiety levels. They were given scores for each of the personality traits and an overall combined score for the negative personality traits. The average veteran stuck with the study for 15 years and underwent up to 4 additional heart checkups.
According to Suarez, the overall combination score of the negative personality traits was the highest predictor of coronary heart disease in the study.
Limitations to the Study's Findings:
It is important to point out that the study's findings to not relate to everyone. The study's subjects were all male veterans and most were white. It is not clear if the findings apply to women, non-veterans, or people of different ethnic backgrounds. Suarez and his colleagues all suggest that the findings be researched in studies made up of a more diverse population.
Making a Better Lifestyle Can't Be Bad for Us
Still, finding ways to cope with anger, hostility, anxiety and depression can't be bad for any of us. Consider this another recommendation for a healthy lifestyle - including exercise, meditation, good friends, and communication - will help all of us enjoy a happier life and may lower our risk of coronary heart disease. I ask you, is that a bad idea?
