Anxiety hikes heart attack risk: study

Washington, Jan 11 (UNI) Nervous and socially withdrawn people now have a reason to worry, as a new research shows that longstanding anxiety increases the risk of heart attack.

The role of anxiety in hiking heart attack risk goes beyond the effects of depression, anger, hostility, and other negative emotions, the Science Daily reported.

''These psychological factors are important in predicting the risk of heart disease, but anxiety is unique,'' said Biing-Jiun Shen, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Older men with sustained and pervasive anxiety appeared to be at increased risk of heart attack even after their levels of depression, anger, hostility are considered.

People who were found to have higher levels of anxiety on psychological testing faced an even higher risk of heart attack.

''The good thing about anxiety is that it's very much treatable,'' said Dr Shen.

''Those who are highly anxious and suffering from panic attacks, social phobia or constant worry can be treated well by recomended therapy, lowering their future risk of heart attack,'' Dr Shen added.

UNI XC PD RN1806