The heart is one of our vital organs, responsible for pumping blood and oxygen around the body. Therefore, any issues with the heart can be dangerous.
In the UK this is a growing cause for concern, with around a quarter of all deaths caused by cardiovascular disease. This refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system.
There are a number of factors that contribute to heart problems, from genetics to your diet and exercise routine. Whether you smoke and how much alcohol you consume also has an impact.
But now research has shown that your personality could also determine how healthy your heart is.
A study, led by experts at the Queen Mary University of London, revealed that specific personality traits such as anxiety and irritability have been linked with early signs of heart ageing.
As part of the research, which was published in European Heart Journal, a team analysed heart scans from 36,309 UK Biobank participants.
Personality traits classed as “neuroticism” – such as unstable moods, excessive worrying, anxiety, irritability and self-consciousness – were scored using a personality questionnaire.
It was found that a “greater tendency towards neuroticism personality traits” was linked to “smaller, poorer functioning ventricles with lower left ventricular mass, higher myocardial fibrosis, and higher arterial stiffness”.
The link was found independent of the traditional risk factors for heart problems, such as smoking and obesity, and were “more robust” in men compared to women.
The team said the findings “highlight the link between mental health and cardiovascular health” and support the need to promote mental wellbeing in the general population.
Steffen Petersen, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London, explained: “We know there are important links between mental health and cardiovascular outcomes, and our study has uncovered that harmful changes to the heart are seen in people with neurotic personality traits such as anxiety, depression and excessive worrying.
“Even when lifestyle factors, like smoking, weight and age, are taken into consideration, neurotic traits appear to be linked to signs of heart ageing.”
The team is now set to study how these personality traits impact upon heart function.
Commenting on the findings, James Leiper – associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We know that living with a mental health condition can increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, and this important research shows that certain personality traits – which can be early signs of mental health conditions – can lead to changes to the heart that are synonymous with heart ageing.
“This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be mindful that patients who may be at risk of mental health conditions, may benefit from support to help lower risk of heart conditions.
“With mental health diagnoses becoming increasingly common, we hope future research will investigate these links further.
“If you’re looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your physical and mental wellbeing, speak to your GP, as they can help you find ways to look after your heart that suit you.”
The study concluded: “Greater tendency towards neuroticism personality traits is linked to smaller, poorer functioning ventricles with lower left ventricle mass, higher myocardial fibrosis, and higher arterial stiffness.
“These relationships are independent of traditional vascular risk factors and are more robust in men than women.”
If you are concerned about your mental health or heart health you should speak to your GP.
Signs of cardiovascular disease can include:
- Chest pain
- Pain, weakness or numb legs and/or arms
- Breathlessness
- Very fast or slow heartbeat, or palpitations
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint
- Fatigue
- Swollen limbs.
