The effect of mental or emotional stress on cardiovascular health

Comparison of the pathophysiological aetiology of exercise vs mental stress-induced myocardial ischaemia

We know that angina – a dull, heavy or tight chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart – could be a sign that someone is at risk of a future heart attack. Previous studies have shown that angina can be triggered by physical activity or by mental stress. It’s thought that the underlying mechanisms behind the angina may differ depending on whether the stress is physical or emotional. Professor Simon Redwood and his team, from King’s College London, are going to try and characterise these differences more precisely. In a sample of 40 study volunteers with heart disease, the team will look at heart structure and blood flow through the coronary arteries (the vessels carrying blood to the heart) using sophisticated imaging techniques. These volunteers will undergo physical exercise testing on an exercise bike and complete a mental arithmetic exercise. As well as measuring heart function, other monitoring tests will be done to identify when certain levels of stress occur in response to mental or physical exercise. The research will help develop a better understanding of the different causes or triggers of angina and may allow future tailored medications or treatments.