Stress may raise risk of inflammation-linked chronic diseases

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Stress and depression are linked to higher levels of markers of inflammation in the blood, according to a new study.
Various studies have linked psychosocial factors, like stress, depression and lack of social support with heart disease. Other research has shown that inflammation may play a role in heart disease. Now a new study appears to link these two observations.

Researchers at the University of Michigan used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis which involves nearly 7,000 men and woman aged between 45 and 84. They filled in questionnaires relating to psychosocial issues like chronic stress, depression and distrust. They also had levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen - all markers of inflammation - measured.

The researchers learned that high levels of cynical distrust were linked to higher levels of all three markers. Chronic stress and depression were linked to higher levels of IL-6. Further analysis suggested that these negative psychosocial factors were probably linked to unhealthy behaviors like smoking or poor diet which increased the risk of obesity and diabetes and also raised levels of inflammatory markers. More research is needed to determine the mechanism by which stress and other factors influence the risk of heart disease.

Source
Archives of Internal Medicine 22nd January 2007 Volume 167 pages 174-181

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