A new study revealed the link between stress and increased risks of heart attack.
The research showed how strenuous brain activity can cause cardiovascular diseases among humans. Although the mechanism is yet to be confirmed through more research, scientists believe the results can help in finding a treatment to cardiovascular diseases.
While it is still not entirely understood, the research found that stress increases activity in a brain region known as the amygdala. This area is responsible for processing certain emotions like fear and anger. Even though other sections of the brain also become activated, the amygdala’s function is to tell your body what to do when a threat is detected.
From another study, it was found out that the amygdala becomes more active in people experiencing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
The results of the study, published in The Lancet, could help health practitioners predict the possibility of a heart attack or stroke by looking at the activity of a patient’s amygdala. However, the research does suggest exploring ways to avoid stress may be a way to prevent heart attacks and strokes in the first place.
