Depressed or anxious teens risk heart attacks in middle age

Date:
August 26, 2020
Source:
European Society of Cardiology
Summary:
Depression or anxiety in adolescence is linked with a 20% greater
likelihood of having a heart attack mid-life, according to new
research.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Sophia Antipolis, France -26 Aug 2020: Depression or anxiety in
adolescence is linked with a 20% greater likelihood of having a heart
attack mid-life, according to research released today at ESC Congress
2020.1

==========================================================================
In a warning to parents, study author Dr. Cecilia Bergh of O"rebro
University in Sweden, said: "Be vigilant and look for signs of stress, depression or anxiety that is beyond the normal teenage angst: seek help
if there seems to be a persistent problem (telephone helplines may be particularly helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic). If a healthy lifestyle
is encouraged as early as possible in childhood and adolescence it is
more likely to persist into adulthood and improve long-term health."
There are indications that mental well-being is declining in young
people. This study investigated whether conditions like depression
in adolescence (age 18 or 19) are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

The researchers also examined the possible role of stress resilience
(ability to cope with stress in everyday life) in helping to explain
any associations.

The study included 238,013 men born between 1952 and 1956 who underwent extensive examinations in late adolescence (as part of their assessment
for compulsory military service) and were then followed into middle age
(up to the age of 58 years). The assessments at the age of 18 or 19 years included medical, psychiatric, and physical examinations by physicians
and psychologists.

Stress resilience was measured by an interview with a psychologist and
a questionnaire, and based on familial, medical, social, behavioural
and personality characteristics.

A total of 34,503 men were diagnosed with a non-psychotic mental
disorder (such as depression or anxiety) at conscription. Follow-up for cardiovascular disease was through hospital medical records.



==========================================================================
The study found that a mental disorder in adolescence was associated
with the risk of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack) by middle
age. Compared to men without a mental illness in adolescence, the risk
of myocardial infarction was 20% higher among men with a diagnosis -
even after taking into account other characteristics in adolescence
such as blood pressure, body mass index, general health, and parental socioeconomic status.

The association between mental illness and heart attack was partly - but
not completely - explained by poorer stress resilience and lower physical ?tness in teenagers with a mental illness. "We already knew that men who
were physically fit in adolescence seem less likely to maintain fitness
in later years if they have low stress resilience," said Dr. Bergh. "Our previous research has also shown that low stress resilience is also
coupled with a greater tendency towards addictive behaviour, signalled
by higher risks of smoking, alcohol consumption and other drug use."
Dr. Bergh said: "Better fitness in adolescence is likely to help protect against later heart disease, particularly if people stay fit as they age.

Physical activity may also alleviate some of the negative consequences
of stress. This is relevant to all adolescents, but those with poorer
wellbeing could benefit from additional support to encourage exercise
and to develop strategies to deal with stress."
###
Notes to editors Authors: ESC Press Office Mobile: +33 (0)7 85 31
20 36 Email: press@escardio.org The hashtag for ESC Congress 2020 is #ESCCongress.



========================================================================== Follow us on Twitter @ESCardioNews This press release accompanies an
abstract at ESC Congress 2020 - The Digital Experience. It does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Society of Cardiology.

Funding: An ESRC grant to the Centre for Life-Course Studies
(ES/R008930/1).

Disclosures: Nothing to declare.

References and notes 1Abstract title: Non-psychotic mental disorders in adolescent men and risk of myocardial infarction: A national cohort study.

About the European Society of Cardiology The
European_Society_of_Cardiology brings together health care professionals
from more than 150 countries, working to advance cardiovascular medicine
and help people lead longer, healthier lives.

About the ESC Congress 2020 ESC_Congress is the world's largest gathering
of cardiovascular professionals contributing to global awareness of the
latest clinical trials and breakthrough discoveries. ESC Congress 2020
takes place online from 29 August to 1 September. More information is
available from the ESC Press Office at press@escardio.org.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by European_Society_of_Cardiology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


==========================================================================


Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200826083017.htm

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