Chronic stress increases the risk of a heart attack

Scientists at Canada's University of Western Ontario have discovered that chronic stress can increase the risk of heart attacks.

In a study, published in the journal " Stress ," scientists said tensions about employment, marriage and economic finances may increase the risk of symptoms. Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks.

(Artwork: Stopstresscold)

However, there has not been a biological sign yet to measure chronic stress. Dr. Gideon Koren and colleagues discovered a method to measure cortisol levels in the hair, accurately assessing stress levels for months before a heart attack occurred.

Cortisol is considered a stress hormone and its secretion levels increase during times of stress . For a long time, this hormone has been measured in serum, urine or saliva, but it only indicates stress at the time of measurement, not the results over a longer period of time. Cortisol can also be measured in the hair shaft.

In their experiments, scientists collected 3cm hair samples from 56 men with heart attack symptoms. In addition, hair samples from a comparative group also included 56 people who were hospitalized for a number of other diseases, but not heart attacks.

The results showed that higher levels of cortisol in the hair were found in the group of heart attack patients compared to the comparison group.

" Stress is a serious manifestation of modern life, affecting many areas of life and health. This research is significant both in theory and practice, showing stress can also be Control with lifestyle changes and psychotherapy , "said Dr Koren.