Genes may play role in heart attack risk during stressful times
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Key takeaways:
- Genetic predisposition to stress increased risk for heart attack during periods of high stress, such as major holidays.
- Heart attack risk was even higher for people with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression.
ATLANTA — Adults genetically predisposed to high stress are more likely to have a heart attack during times of heightened stress, such as a major holiday or after a presidential election, researchers reported.
“People with a genetic predisposition to stress, as measured by neuroticism polygenic risk scores, have a significantly increased risk for acute coronary syndromes, especially during times of heightened social or political stress,” Shady Abohashem, MD, MPH, instructor in cardiovascular research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, told Healio. “This risk is further magnified, threefold, for those who also experience anxiety or depression.”
Abohashem and colleagues analyzed data from 18,428 adults who participated in the Mass General Brigham Biobank and had a quantified neuroticism polygenic risk score. The findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session.
Among those participants, 1,890 developed ACS during the 20-year observation period (2000-2020). The researchers defined “stressful periods” as the 5 days after the presidential election and the 10 days after Dec. 25, using other times as the control period. The researchers used ICD-10 codes and surveys to identify incidence of ACS, anxiety/depression and CV risk factors.
During the 3.2% of the observation period that was considered stressful, there were 71 ACS cases vs. 1,819 during control periods.
Researchers found that neuroticism polygenic risk score was associated with higher ACS risk during stress (HR = 1.34; P = .026). Additionally, ACS risk tripled for participants with a neuroticism polygenic risk score above the median who also who developed anxiety or depression (HR = 3.24; P = .001), with an anxiety or depression diagnosis mediating the 23.7% of the neuroticism polygenic risk score/ACS association.
“Our findings suggest that understanding one’s genetic susceptibility to stress could be crucial in identifying and implementing targeted strategies for preventing heart attacks during stressful periods,” Abohashem told Healio. “This research underscores the potential of incorporating genetic and psychological factors into the broader framework of CV risk assessment and management, aiming to tailor prevention and intervention efforts more effectively.”
Abohashem added that research should focus on prospective and diverse studies to validate the findings and explore the causal mechanisms linking genetic stress sensitivity, mental health issues and ACS.
“Additionally, we need intervention studies to determine the most effective strategies for reducing ACS risk in individuals with high genetic stress sensitivity, including lifestyle modifications, psychological interventions and pharmacological approaches,” Abohashem told Healio. “Investigating the cost-effectiveness and practicality of implementing genetic and mental health screenings in various health care settings is also crucial. These research directions could significantly enhance our ability to prevent heart attacks, especially during times of increased stress.”
Collapse
Abohashem S, et al. Abstract 1504-144. Presented at: American College of Cardiology Scientific Session; April 6-8, 2024; Atlanta.
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts