Cardiovascular diseases are major causes of death all over the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 17.9 million people died as a result of cardiovascular diseases in 2016, which accounted for 31% of all global deaths.

Coronary Heart Disease and its Risk Factors

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a type of cardiovascular disease that results from the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.

The risk factors for CHD include high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, family history of CHD, and negative outlook.

What is Negative Outlook?

Negative outlook refers to a state of mind where an individual has a pessimistic view of life and tends to focus on negative thoughts and emotions.

This can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress, which have been linked to an increased risk of CHD mortality.

Impact of Negative Outlook on CHD Mortality

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan found that negative outlook is a significant risk factor for CHD mortality. The study followed 1,306 men and women aged 65 to 95 years for a period of four years.

The participants completed a questionnaire that assessed their outlook on life, which was divided into three categories: positive outlook, intermediate outlook, and negative outlook.

The results of the study showed that individuals with negative outlook had a 30% higher risk of CHD mortality compared to those with positive outlook.

This association remained significant even after controlling for other risk factors such as age, gender, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol levels.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism by which negative outlook increases the risk of CHD mortality is not yet fully understood.

However, some researchers suggest that it may be due to the negative effects of chronic stress on the body, which can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. These processes can damage the arteries and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which is a major underlying cause of CHD.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing and treating negative outlook can help reduce the risk of CHD mortality. Some strategies that may be helpful include:.

Psychotherapy
Anti-depressant medication
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Mindfulness-based stress reduction
Exercise
Yoga
Support groups

Conclusion

Negative outlook is a significant risk factor for CHD mortality.

Individuals who have a negative outlook on life may benefit from interventions that target their emotional well-being, such as psychotherapy, medication, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. By improving their outlook on life, they may be able to reduce their risk of developing CHD and improve their overall health.