A new study has found that stress and certain lifestyle habits are linked to heart rhythm disorders (atrial fibrillation). Atrial fibrillation is particularly harmful because it increases the risk of blood clotting, stroke, and heart failure.
The study included over 6,500 adults without heart disease who were rated based on seven factors that relate to heart health: smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. These are known as Life’s Simple 7.
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Those with the highest scores were 41 percent less likely to have atrial fibrillation. Those with average scores were eight percent less likely to develop atrial fibrillation.
Another study looked at the stress levels in over 26,200 women. Sources of stress included work, family, finances, traumatic events (such as the death of a child), and neighborhood issues. Women with atrial fibrillation experienced more financial, traumatic life-event, and neighborhood stress, but only traumatic life-event stress was associated with atrial fibrillation.
Both studies were presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting, in New Orleans.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
