Mental health and emotional well-being major factors for heart health, says study

Common risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking are not the only aspects making you prone to a heart attack. One in four persons is at risk due to eating habits, lack of exercise, and emotional instability.

A new study at the Madras Medical College said that in-hospital deaths or all-cause mortality up to a year after discharge were similar in groups with and without the risk factors.

Dr G Justin Paul, lead author of the study, said that people think that mortality should be less in people without any standard risk factors but the researchers found that it is not the case. "Some of the studies from the West have shown that the risk of dying is actually higher in those without the risk factors. This could be because the people with risk factors are much more likely to seek medical advice and try to make lifestyle changes."

There is sufficient data to show that feelings of guilt, bitterness, worthlessness, anger, lack of support system, domestic stress, and workplace stress contribute to heart disease.

The new study has found that women suffer heart attacks more than men without major risk factors. Dr Paul said that this is due to women giving less importance to themselves and prioritising the needs of others. "They are less likely to undergo preventive health check-ups to identify their cardiac risk status."

According to experts, people can reduce the impact of these risk factors by focusing on eating habits, exercise, and emotional stability. "Everyone should work on these three areas to keep their heart healthy whether they have the risk factors or not," reported The Indian Express.