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Higueras-Fresnillo S, Herraiz-Adillo Á, Ahlqvist VH, Öberg R, Lenander C, Wennberg P, Wångdahl J, Berglind D, Daka B, Östgren CJ, Rådholm K, Henriksson P. Associations of psychological factors with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health in middle-age: the population-based Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage study (SCAPIS). BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1455. [PMID: 38816713 PMCID: PMC11140911 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18924-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health issue, primarily caused by atherosclerosis. Psychological factors may play a role in the development and progression of CVD. However, the relationship between psychological factors and atherosclerosis is complex and poorly understood. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the association of psychological factors with (i) coronary and carotid atherosclerosis and (ii) cardiovascular health according to Life's Essential 8, in a large Swedish cohort. METHODS This study utilized data from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), a large population-based project including individuals aged 50 to 65 years. Several psychological factors were analysed: general stress, stress at work, financial stress, major adverse life events, locus of control, feeling depressed, and depression. Coronary atherosclerosis was assessed as the degree of stenosis by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores. Carotid atherosclerosis was examined using ultrasound. In addition, cardiovascular health was examined using the Life's Essential 8 concept created by the American Heart Association, which includes four health behaviors and four health factors. Associations were examined through binomial logistic regression (atherosclerosis variables) and linear regression (Life's Essential 8). RESULTS A total of 25,658 participants were included in the study. The presence of financial stress, higher locus of control, and depression was weakly associated with increased odds of CCTA stenosis, CAC ≥ 1 and the presence of carotid plaques (all odds ratios: 1.10-1.21, 95% CI: 1.02-1.32) after adjusting for sex, age, and study site. However, these associations were attenuated and not statistically significant after additional adjustments for socioeconomic factors and health behaviors. Conversely, we observed inverse associations between the worst category for all psychological factors and cardiovascular health according to Life's Essential 8 score (all standardized β-Coefficient ≤-0.033, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION While there were no strong and consistent associations between psychological factors and atherosclerosis, the consistent associations of psychological factors with cardiovascular health by Life's Essential 8 may have relevance for future CVD risk. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the long-term effects of psychological factors on atherosclerosis development and cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Higueras-Fresnillo
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ángel Herraiz-Adillo
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Viktor H Ahlqvist
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robin Öberg
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Lenander
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Centre for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrik Wennberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Josefin Wångdahl
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Berglind
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bledar Daka
- Family medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Johan Östgren
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Centre of Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Rådholm
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pontus Henriksson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Gaffey AE, Spatz ES. Psychological Health and Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: A Review of Current Evidence and Clinical Considerations across the Healthspan. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2024; 26:45-58. [PMID: 38240928 PMCID: PMC11219074 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Psychological health encompasses a constellation of negative and positive factors-i.e., psychosocial stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness and social isolation, anger and hostility, optimism, and a sense of purpose. This narrative review presents current evidence at the intersection of psychological health, risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), and IHD-related outcomes, with an emphasis on associations in women. RECENT FINDINGS For women, relations between psychological health and IHD reflect important sex and gender differences in biological and psychosocial factors. Although efforts devoted to understanding psychological health and IHD risk have varied by psychological factor-scientific evidence is strongest for psychosocial stress and depression, while anxiety, trauma, and positive psychological factors warrant more investigation-less optimal psychological health is consistently associated with an earlier and greater risk of IHD morbidity and mortality in women. Still, many past prospective studies of psychological factors and IHD risk had a limited representation of women, did not include analyses by sex, or failed to account for other influential, sex-specific factors. Thus, there are multiple pathways for further, rigorous investigation into psychological health-IHD associations, mechanisms, and empirically supported psychological interventions to mitigate IHD risk among women. Given the robust evidence linking psychological health with women's risk for IHD, implementing routine, brief, psychological screening is recommended. Significant life events, developmental milestones specific to women, and IHD diagnoses or events could cue further psychological assessment and referral, efforts which will mutually strengthen the evidence for integrated psychological and IHD care and delivery of such care to this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Gaffey
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
| | - Erica S Spatz
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
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Wang X, Song C. The impact of gratitude interventions on patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1243598. [PMID: 37809310 PMCID: PMC10551131 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1243598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive psychological factors play a pivotal role in improving cardiovascular outcomes. Gratitude interventions are among the most effective positive psychological interventions, with potential clinical applications in cardiology practice. To better understand the potential clinical effects of gratitude interventions in cardiovascular disease, four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycArticles) were searched from 2005 to 2023 for relevant studies. Randomized controlled trials of gratitude interventions as the intervention and that reported physiological or psychosocial outcomes were eligible for inclusion. In total, 19 studies were identified, reporting results from 2951 participants from 19 to 71 years old from both healthy populations and those with clinical diagnoses. The studies showed that gratitude not only promotes mental health and adherence to healthy behaviors but also improves cardiovascular outcomes. Gratitude may have a positive impact on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk, especially asymptomatic heart failure, cardiovascular function, and autonomic nervous system activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chunli Song
- The Second Hospital affiliated to Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Wang Y, Chen T. Perceived Control, Control Strategies, and Subjective Well-being in the Elderly: A Longitudinal Study of Health Behavior. Am J Health Behav 2023; 47:549-557. [PMID: 37596744 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.47.3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: We analyzed the directional effect of perceived control and control strategies on subjective well-being in middle-aged and elderly people with historical data, and to provide data support for the intervention of well-being in the later years of the elderly group, so as to help them age successfully.Methods: Using data from the CLHLS between 2005 and 2014, we collected demographic and social data of the same elderly population over the decade. We also gathered information on changes in well-being, perceived control, and the use of control strategies. To analyze the longitudinal relationship between subjective well-being and perceived control, including the impact of control strategies on subjective well-being, we used a multilevel growth model with MPLUS. Results: We found that subjective well-being and perceived control were not affected by time. However, changes in perceived control in older adults could predict their level of subjective well-being. Those with higher initial levels of perceived control experienced greater increases in subjective well-being. Additionally, the use of control strategies had a significant influence on changes in subjective well-being, explaining 70.5% of the variance. Conclusion: Combined use of multiple control strategies is a feasible way to improve subjective well-being in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyin Wang
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tianyong Chen
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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Arafa A, Kashima R, Kokubo Y. Life satisfaction and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the general Japanese population: the Suita Study. Environ Health Prev Med 2023; 28:62. [PMID: 37899209 PMCID: PMC10613556 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Life satisfaction is a measure of mental health with a potential cardioprotective role. This study aimed to investigate the association between life satisfaction and ASCVD risk in the general Japanese population. METHOD We used data from 6,877 people (30-84 years) registered in the Suita Study, a Japanese population-based prospective cohort study. All participants were free from stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) at baseline. Then, participants were followed up for incident ASCVD, including cerebral infarction and CHD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of incident ASCVD according to life satisfaction. RESULTS Within 102,545 person-years (median follow-up = 16.6 years), 482 incident ASCVD events were identified. In the age- and sex-adjusted model, being very satisfied, rather satisfied, or not sure, compared to being dissatisfied with life, showed a lower risk of ASCVD: HR (95% CI) = 0.55 (0.41, 0.74), 0.67 (0.50, 0.89), and 0.57 (0.36, 0.88), respectively (p-trend < 0.001). The associations remained consistent after adjusting for stress and unfortunate events: HR (95% CI) = 0.57 (0.42, 0.77), 0.68 (0.50, 0.91), and 0.54 (0.35, 0.84), respectively (p-trend < 0.001). The results did not vary between cerebral infarction and CHD: HR (95% CI) for being very satisfied with life = 0.58 (0.37, 0.91) and 0.55 (0.36, 0.84), respectively. CONCLUSION Life satisfaction was inversely associated with the risk of ASCVD in the investigated general Japanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Arafa
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Rena Kashima
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kokubo
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
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Impact of psychological status on cardiovascular diseases: Is it time for upgrading risk score charts? Atherosclerosis 2022; 359:42-43. [PMID: 36127169 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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