In a recent study, researchers discovered that certain personality traits may be linked to indicators of early cardiac ageing.
Anxiety and irritation, according to a study published in the European cardiac Journal, are considered early indications of cardiac aging.
Experts from Queen Mary University of London invented the term “neuroticism” to describe personality traits. It includes mood swings, excessive concern, and feelings of self-consciousness.
The research team concluded that a “greater tendency towards neuroticism personality traits was tied to smaller, poorer functioning ventricles with lower left ventricular mass, higher myocardial fibrosis, and higher arterial stiffness.”
The disease was detected independently of other risk factors, such as obesity and smoking.The study also discovered that it was more prevalent in men than in women.
The study concluded that the results “highlight the link between mental health and cardiovascular health,” emphasizing the importance of promoting mental well-being in the general population.
“We know there are important links between mental health and cardiovascular outcomes, and our study has uncovered that harmful changes to the heart are seen in people with neurotic personality traits such as anxiety, depression, and excessive worrying,” noted Steffen Petersen, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London.
Petersen went on to say, “Even when lifestyle factors, like smoking, weight, and age, are taken into consideration, neurotic traits appear to be linked to signs of heart ageing.”
Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation James Leiper said: “We know that living with a mental health condition can increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, and this important research shows that certain personality traits — which can be early signs of mental health conditions — can lead to changes to the heart that are synonymous with heart ageing.”
