Stressful relationships elevate risk of angina attack

Although, angina is often brought on by emotional stress, extreme temperatures, heavy meals, alcohol, strenuous exercise and cigarette smoking, a new study claims, tackling family worries and arguments can also elevate the risk of heart ache which can in turn lead to coronary artery [a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.] disease.

Angina is recurring acute chest pain or discomfort resulting from decreased blood supply to the heart muscle and is a common symptom for coronary heart disease. The symptoms of angina include pressure, or discomfort in the chest, mild or severe pain generally described as a feeling of a squeezing, strangling, heaviness, or suffocation sensation in the chest.

A cohort study of 4,573 Danish adults In order to determine whether negative aspects of social relations have an impact on heart health, the researchers studied 4,573 middle-aged Danish men and women with no history of cardiovascular disease. They tracked the heart health of the study subjects over a period of six years.

As a part of the study, the participants were asked questions pertaining to health and the quality of relationship with their spouse, children, relatives, friends, and neighbours. Outcome of the study At the close of the study, one in ten men and women reported constrictive chest pains, the general symptoms of angina. The study found people who are less wealthy, depressed and in their 50s were more prone to develop angina.

It was further noted that tense relationships with an intimate partner increased the risk of angina three-fold, while troubled relations with kids and other family members elevated the danger two times. People inclined to argue frequently with their partners had a 44 percent increase in angina risk. However, bickering with friends and neighbours only had a negligible impact on heart health.

Even after factoring age, gender, social class, cohabitation status, and depression [a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity] , experts noted stress laden relationships was linked with an increased risk of angina pectoris.

Lead author of the study, Dr Rikke Lund, of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark concluded, "Excessive demands and serious worries from significant others seem to be important risk factors for development of angina pectoris.”The study is published in the latest online edition of the 'Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.'