Grumpy people and constant worriers are more likely to have heart problems, new research suggests.
Personality traits such as anxiety and irritability have been linked to early signs of heart aging, according to a study.
Experts said the findings show that people at risk of developing mental health problems could benefit from more support in a bid to reduce the likelihood of heart problems in the future.
To explore the link between mental health and heart function, a team led by Queen Mary University of London examined heart scans of 36,309 people.
Personality traits classified as “neuroticism,” such as unstable moods, excessive worry, anxiety, irritability, shyness, and sadness, were rated using a personality questionnaire.
The researchers found that a “greater tendency toward neuroticistic personality traits” was related to “smaller, poorer-functioning ventricles, lower LV (left ventricular) mass, greater myocardial fibrosis, and greater arterial stiffness.”
Grumpy people and constant worriers are more likely to have bad hearts, new research suggests
Personality traits like anxiety and irritability have been linked to early signs of heart aging, study finds
Participants were members of the UK Biobank study.
The link was found independently of traditional risk factors for heart problems, such as smoking and obesity, and was “stronger” in men than in women.
The team said the findings, published in European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging, “highlight the link between mental health and cardiovascular health” and support strategies that promote mental well-being in the general population.
Steffen Petersen, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London, added: “We know there are important links between mental health and cardiovascular outcomes, and our study has found that harmful changes in the heart are seen in people with Neurotic personality disorders such as anxiety, depression, and excessive worry.
“Even when lifestyle factors such as smoking, weight and age are taken into account, neurotic traits appear to be related to signs of aging of the heart.”
Professor Petersen said his team will now try to understand how these personality treatments impact heart function and long-term heart disease risk.
James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We know that living with mental illness can increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, and this important research shows that certain personality traits, which can be early signs of conditions mental health: they can cause changes in the heart that are synonymous with aging of the heart.
‘This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware that patients who may be at risk of mental illness can benefit from support to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
“As mental health diagnoses become more common, we hope that future research will further investigate these links.
“If you are looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your physical and mental wellbeing, speak to your GP as they can help you find ways to care for your heart that suit your needs.”