Heart attack
A sudden surge of unexpected and extreme emotional stress can trigger a heart attack, new research has suggested. Using evidence from previous studies, researchers at University College London found consistent evidence that a sudden bout of physical exertion or an experience of great excitement or anger often precipitates a heart attack.
The researchers looked at studies carried out between 1970 and 2004 that examined what heart attack victims were doing in the hours prior to their cardiac arrest. In one study, over half of the 224 respondents reported being stressed before their attack, while another indicated that the risk of arrest increased within hours of an exciting sports match or high-pressure deadlines at work.
The author of the study, Dr Andrew Steptoe revealed that vigorous exercise increases the chance of plaque, that has built up in the blood vessels, being dislodged and blocking blood flow to the heart.
Dr Steptoe stressed however, this should not deter people from exercising regularly. "Considering that physical fitness and regular exercise are protective for heart disease, my advice would certainly be to carry on exercising," he said.
The researchers also found that mental stress can have a similar effect on the heart by increasing blood pressure and releasing stress hormones into the bloodstream.
In a study of 1,818 people, mental stress and quarrels at work or at home were found to be just as common in the hours leading up to a heart attack as strenuous physical activity.
