 |
|
Negative aspects of close relationships may be associated with heart disease risk
October 09, 2007Individuals whose close relationships have negative aspects, such as conflict and adverse exchanges, appear to have an increased risk of heart disease than those with more positive close relationships, according to a report in the Oct. 8 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
"An extensive body of research shows that social relations are associated with better health and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease," the authors write as background information in the article. "However, contradictory findings on the health benefits of structural support and the limited protective effect of marital status against cardiovascular disease among women have stimulated further scientific inquiry into the quality of social relationships."
Roberto De Vogli, Ph.D., M.P.H., and colleagues at University College London studied 9,011 British civil servants who completed a questionnaire about negative aspects of their close relationships either between 1989 and 1990 or between 1985 and 1988. Although the questionnaire assessed up to four close relationships, the researchers focused specifically on the primary close relationship. In addition, participants answered questions about how much emotional and practical support they received from that person on a regular basis. They were then followed for an average of 12.2 years to see if they experienced fatal or non-fatal coronary events, including heart attacks or chest pain.
Of the 8,499 individuals who did not have coronary heart disease at the beginning of the study and who provided sufficient information for the analysis, 589 reported a coronary heart disease event. After adjusting for other factors that influence heart disease risk-such as sociodemographic characteristics and health habits-those who experienced a high level of negativity in their close relationships were 1.34 times more likely to experience a coronary heart disease event than those with a low level of negative close relationships.
The association was weakened somewhat but still significant after the researchers adjusted for negative personality traits and depression. This suggests that emotions may partially mediate the association between negative relationships and heart disease. "When one considers emotional factors and their biological translation into the body, research shows that negative marital interactions are associated with depression, often in combination with reduced self-esteem and/or higher levels of anger," the authors write. "These emotional reactions have been found to influence coronary heart disease through the cumulative 'wear and tear' on organs and tissues caused by the alterations of autonomic [involuntary] functions, neuroendocrine changes, disturbances in coagulation [blood clotting] and inflammatory and immune responses."
Although women and those in lower employment grades were more likely to experience negative relationships, the associations with heart disease did not change based on sex or social position. In addition, heart disease risk was not associated with the level of emotional or practical support received. "It is possible that negative aspects of close relationships are more important for the health of individuals because of the power of negative close relationships to activate stronger emotions (worrying and anxiety) and the consequent physiological effects," the authors write. "In contrast, other more positive forms of support may not affect the physiology of individuals in a measurable or clinically relevant way."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Of the 8,499 individuals who did not have coronary heart disease at the beginning of the study and who provided sufficient information for the analysis, 589 reported a coronary heart disease event. After adjusting for other factors that influence heart disease risk-such as sociodemographic characteristics and health habits-those who experienced a high level of negativity in their close relationships were 1.34 times more likely to experience a coronary heart disease event than those with a low level of negative close relationships.
The association was weakened somewhat but still significant after the researchers adjusted for negative personality traits and depression. This suggests that emotions may partially mediate the association between negative relationships and heart disease. "When one considers emotional factors and their biological translation into the body, research shows that negative marital interactions are associated with depression, often in combination with reduced self-esteem and/or higher levels of anger," the authors write. "These emotional reactions have been found to influence coronary heart disease through the cumulative 'wear and tear' on organs and tissues caused by the alterations of autonomic [involuntary] functions, neuroendocrine changes, disturbances in coagulation [blood clotting] and inflammatory and immune responses."
Although women and those in lower employment grades were more likely to experience negative relationships, the associations with heart disease did not change based on sex or social position. In addition, heart disease risk was not associated with the level of emotional or practical support received. "It is possible that negative aspects of close relationships are more important for the health of individuals because of the power of negative close relationships to activate stronger emotions (worrying and anxiety) and the consequent physiological effects," the authors write. "In contrast, other more positive forms of support may not affect the physiology of individuals in a measurable or clinically relevant way."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Heart Disease Risk Current Events and Heart Disease Risk News RSSA decade later, lifestyle changes or metformin still lower type 2 diabetes risk
Intensive lifestyle changes aimed at modest weight loss reduced the rate of developing type 2 diabetes by 34 percent compared with placebo in people at high risk for the disease, researchers conclude based on 10 years of data.
Americans concerned about heart health, but not proactive enough to prevent it
To help draw attention to National Child Health Day (today), the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) has released findings from a new national consumer survey and launched a campaign to educate families about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Despite size, NFL players not more likely to develop heart disease, even after retirement
Former professional football players with large bodies don't appear to have the same risk factors for heart disease as their non-athletic counterparts, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found in studying a group of National Football League (NFL) alumni.
Body's immune system response to dental plaque varies by gender and race
Will neglecting to brush your teeth damage more than just your smile? Can failing to attack dental plaque increase your risk of heart damage?
Prostate cancer patients on hormone therapy at increased risk for various heart diseases
New research has found that hormone therapy used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer is associated with an increased chance of developing various heart problems. Some choices of therapy appear, however, to be less risky than others.
Feelings of hopelessness linked to stroke risk in healthy women
Healthy middle-aged women with feelings of hopelessness appear to experience thickening of the neck arteries, which can be a precursor to stroke, according to new research out of the University of Minnesota Medical School.
UCLA scientists identify how immune cells may help predict Alzheimer's risk
What if you could test your risk for Alzheimer's disease much like your cholesterol levels - through a simple blood test?
Review identifies dietary factors associated with heart disease risk
A review of previously published studies suggests that vegetable and nut intake and a Mediterranean dietary pattern appear to be associated with a lower risk for heart disease.
Feeling down and out could break your heart, literally
New data published in the March 17, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggest that relatively healthy women with severe depression are at increased risk of cardiac events, including sudden cardiac death (SCD) and fatal coronary heart disease (CHD).
Depression increases risk for heart disease more than genetics or environment
A history of major depression increases the risk of heart disease over and above any genetic risks common to depression and heart disease, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the VA. The findings are reported this week at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society this week in Chicago.
More Heart Disease Risk Current Events and Heart Disease Risk News Articles
 |
The Miami Mediterranean Diet: Lose Weight and Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease with 300 Delicious Recipes by Michael Ozner (Author) Wake up, America! Low-carb diets are potentially danggerous and there are no long-term studies proving their safety or efficacy. The Mediterranean diet has been around for thousands of years. It is safe and clinically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Moreover, the Mediterranean cuisine is delicious and the ingredients needed to prepare the recipes can be found in any grocery store. Isn't this the type of diet that you want for yourself and your family? |
 |
Healthy Heart Suggestions Directed By: John H. Addison Also With: AVS Video Productions LLC (Producer) |
 |
Heart Disease and South Asians: A Population at Risk Why are South Asians a higher risk group for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes? What lifestyle changes can lower the risk to you and your family? How should you discuss this risk with your doctor? Dr.Gerald Reaven, world-renowned researcher on the importance of abnormal insulin action in type 2 diabetes and heart disease and Dr. Meenakshi Aggarwal, specialist in cardiovascular diseases, outline the problems faced by this population and present the latest research to help you monitor and minimize your risk. |
 |
Arctic Essentials Omega-3 Lower Heart Disease Risk by Urban Nutrition Arctic Essentials is a safe, mercury-free Omega-3 supplement that provides all of the heart-healthy benefits of eating deep sea fish, but with none of the drawbacks, including impurities, odor and taste. |
 |
The PCOS* Protection Plan: How to Cut Your Increased Risk of Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity, and High Blood Pressure by Colette Harris (Author), Theresa Cheung (Author) Do you struggle with your weight? Have irregular periods (or none at all)? Get acne? Notice thinning hair? Or do you have to deal with unwanted facial and body hair? If you have any of these problems, the chances are fairly good that you have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), along with one in ten women. We now know that women with PCOS are more likely to get diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity and its related health problems; and research is currently linking PCOS to a host of other health complications as well. And while you might see this as a frightening glimpse into the future, at least women with PCOS can look future health risks in the eye and then do something right now to reduce them instead of never knowing what could be around the corner. That... |
 |
While You Quit: A Smoker's Guide to Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke by Dr. Theodore Fenske (Author), William Dafoe (Foreword) Smoking doesn't have to leave you at a dead end. This unique book provides insight, whether you are a current or past smoker, on how to reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke before it's too late. Rather than asking you to quit smoking, Dr. Fenske instead asks you to make changes in your life while you quit, by focusing on how the cardiovascular system is susceptible to disease, and how its healthy function can be optimized independent of smoking. Humorous and informative, While You Quit asks you to take a series of small, intentional steps toward vascular health. Armed with a state-of-the-art perspective on vascular biology, you follow Peter, an overweight, cigarette-addicted patient, as he takes these small strides. You will see clearly how each improvement directly... |
![Fabulous Forever - Easy Aerobics Video: Beginners Exercise for Baby Boomers, Reduce Risk For Heart Disease, Build Stamina, Burn Calories and Become Cardio Fit by Mirabai Holland, MFA [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TDAMY5CTL._SL160_.jpg) |
Fabulous Forever - Easy Aerobics Video: Beginners Exercise for Baby Boomers, Reduce Risk For Heart Disease, Build Stamina, Burn Calories and Become Cardio Fit by Mirabai Holland, MFA [VHS] Starring: MFA Mirabai Holland Directed By: F. Sebastian Marino Fabulous Forever Easy Aerobics is a movement experience so pleasant, it doesn't feel like work. Specially designed by women's fitness expert Mirabai Holland M.F.A. Ease into the best shape of your life just by Moving Free along with Mirabai. There's more to exercise than just exercise. There's a mind-body connection that dancers and athletes are trained to tap into every day, that allows them to perform with ease, fluidity and enjoyment. Fabulous Forever Easy Aerobics uses these same techniques to make aerobic exercise a joyful experience, that you'll want to make part of your life now. Using a combination of specific fluid rhythmic movements sustained and repeated over a period of time to subtly motivational music, Fabulous Forever Easy aerobics creates a transformational movement... |
 |
Syndrome X: The Silent Killer: The New Heart Disease Risk by Gerald Reaven (Author), Terry Kirsten Strom (Author), Barry Fox (Author) Is Your So-Called Good Diet Slowly Killing You? If you have Syndrome X -- and 60 to 75 million Americans do -- the widely recommended low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet may be the surest route to a heart attack. Now, Gerald Reaven, M.D., the pioneering Stanford University doctor who discovered Syndrome X, explains why: Even if your total cholesterol level is perfect, it may not shield you from a heart attack. |
 |
The 10% Solution for a Healthy Life: How to Reduce Fat in Your Diet and Eliminate Virtually All Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer by Raymond Kurzweil (Author) Reducing the level of fat in your diet to 10% can save your life, and this book gives you all the tools you need to do just that. Everything you need to know about is in this book: recipes, conversion charts, pantry staples, dining-out tips, progress tables, an exercise program, and detailed appendixes. |
 |
Cooking ala Heart Cookbook : Delicious Heart Healthy Recipes to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke by et al Linda Hachfeld (Author) This great best seller is highly recommended by dietitians and physicians because it is simple, yet classic. Its a MUST for anyone who wants to eat well and cook savory and satisfying food without a lost of fuss. Over 430 recipes in 14 chapters are low in fat, cholesterol and controlled for sodium. Nutrient analysis and diabetic food exchanges are given along with each recipe. You are sure to find fast and flavorful recipes for a lifetime of good eating. Cooking ala Heart has sold over 100,000 copies nationwide and continues to win acclaim by those struggling to develop a heart healthy diet without having to sacrifice their favorite foods. Written under the auspices of the Minnesota Heart Health Program, a pioneering effort in heart disease prevention through the University of... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |