Posted on 08/02/2007 6:32:50 PM PDT by Dysart
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Men with high levels of hostility, anger and depression show increases in a key marker of inflammation over time, which may put them at greater risk of heart disease, a new study shows.
"This is further data suggesting that this stuff is bad for your health," Dr. Stephen H. Boyle of Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, the study's lead author, told Reuters Health. "It's not good to have high levels of hostility, anger and depression."
Such psychological factors have long been linked to heart disease, but the mechanism through which they harm the heart and blood vessels has not been established, Boyle and his colleagues note in the current issue of Brain, Behavior and Immunity. However, they add, there is mounting evidence that these emotions may contribute to inflammation in the body.
To investigate, Boyle and his team looked at levels of two inflammation markers, C3 and C4, in 313 men, who were an average of 50 years old, participating in the Air Force Health Study, a long-term investigation of the effects of Agent Orange. They assessed the men's level of hostility, anger and depression in 1985 and measured their C3 and C4 levels in 1992, 1997 and 2002.
Men with the highest levels of anger, depression and hostility also showed the greatest increase in C3 levels between 1992 and 2002, the researchers found. But there was no association between these psychological factors and levels of
C4.
Research has linked higher levels of C3 to a greater risk of heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms and diabetes, Boyle and his team point out. They believe these findings provide additional support to the hypothesis that emotional factors contribute to health problems by influencing levels of chronic inflammation.
In an interview, Boyle pointed out that the assessment for hostility, anger and depression took place seven years before measurements of C3 and C4 began, and that all study participants were "very, very healthy," making it unlikely that, for example, the men might be depressed because of some underlying health problem that could also boost C3 levels. "That gives us a lot of confidence that these psychological factors precede the increase in inflammation."
While most people who are depressed will want to get treatment, Boyle noted, many individuals with hostile personalities may not be aware of it, and are thus unlikely to seek help.
However, there are definitely ways to lessen the impact of personality on health, he added. For example, he said, stress reduction techniques are helpful. "Even if you get angry, the consequences may be less severe if you're able to calm down quicker or if you're able to develop techniques to become angry less easily."
SOURCE: Brain, Behavior and Immunity, August 2007.
So, if the Kos Kiddies keep getting all roused up, they’ll fill up with C4 and their heads might really explode?
Kind of a “No Chit Chirlock” study...
High levels of C4 in the bloodstream get me so worked up I want to explode
C3 and C4 complement are parts of a group of globulin proteins found in the blood. Globulins carry substances through the bloodstream. C3 and C4 complement help the body's immune system react to inflammation and infection.
The results of the blood test for C3 and C4 complement help monitor the condition of people with kidney disease (nephritis) or lupus. The results can also help diagnose angioedema, an allergic reaction.
Yeah, but the mechanism here is what's interesting. At least to me.
The association between stress/hostility and cardio disease has been clear for some time, of course.
Soma.
Prescribed by government medicos. Given to anyone who looks like they might be angry with how many liberties they have lost and continue to lose.
There’s even a catchy slogan to go with the program.
“Better a gram than a damn.”
So that’s it. I thought it was the Y chromosome.
Bite me you )%$$#@8b fool of a(*&*&%# and your $%@*&%# too
You can call me out anytime, but dontcha talk 'bout mah $%@*&%#!
He lived to see his 106th birthday.
These bozos used to tell us, "don't suppress your feelings, it wrecks your health." Now the same nitwits are telling us, "don't express your feelings, it wrecks your health."
Remember all that talk about "type A personalities" and heart disease back in the 60s and 70s? That turned out to be a total crock too.
I think I'll just live my life the way I want.
This is another study confusing correlation and causation. It's know that spirochetes cause dramatic neurological effects, and chronic Lyme is rampant in this country. The neurological effects mentioned here might just be leading symptoms of the disease, not the causative factor.
try searching for 'Lyme Rage'.
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