NEW YORK, May 20 (UPI) -- U.S. and Greek researchers said screening for depression, anxiety and stress can help ease cardiovascular disease.
The studies from the University of Mississippi and Athens University also showed the relationship of depression, anxiety and stress to coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke continues to grow.
Using a standard arithmetic test, the researchers studied 10 healthy volunteers, who were subjected to a three-minute math test or placebo. They then measured aorta and artery stiffness, both of which increased during the mental stress test.
The increase was immediate, reaching a maximum at the beginning of the test, they said. It remained at the same level for at least 15 minutes and did not return to the pre-test baseline level until 45 minutes after the arithmetic test ended.
The heart has difficulty pumping against stiff arteries, the researchers said. When arteries are stiff, they stretch more with every spurt of blood propelled through them, increasing the risk of rupture or tear, and increasing the danger of a person suffering a heart attack or stroke.
