Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

A recent research study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)  in January 2008 points to a link between anxiety and heart damage, particularly in older men. The author’s research would seem to indicate that older men with chronic and persistent anxiety are at increased risk for heart attack after other factors such as Type A Personality, anger and hostility (all known  to negatively impact cardiovascular health) were factored out.

Type A Personality has been known for years to increase stress on the cardiovascular system and increase vulnerability to circulatory and heart related disorders. This is the first time that research has linked chronic anxiety to heart attacks and cardiovascular problems.

This link seems to make sense when you consider that anxiety is really a chronic form of stress and stress has been seen to temporarily increase blood pressure (such as in the “white coat syndrome”) .

While more research may need to be done, this research should be an eye opener. The study’s authors note that anxiety is treatable which is positive. At the very least, this research should spark further research into this important area and increased efforts to treat anxiety.