Spikes in emotional, physical stress after heart attack can return to normal

By American Heart Association News

Science Photo Library/Brand X Pictures, Getty Images
(Science Photo Library/Brand X Pictures, Getty Images)

Soon after a heart attack, survivors show signs of elevated emotional stress and inflammation in their arteries – conditions that eventually can return to normal, according to preliminary research.

Researchers found heightened activity in the brain's amygdala, which is involved in stress and emotional response, along with inflammation in arteries in the neck. There also was increased bone marrow activity, indicating plaque buildup.

"The results of this study advance our understanding of the interconnections among the brain, bone marrow and blood vessels," lead study author, Dr. Dong Oh Kang, said in a news release. Kang is clinical instructor in the cardiovascular center of Korea University Guro Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Activity in the brain's emotional center is closely linked to heart disease activity and inflammation of blood vessels, which are spurred by inflammatory immune cells produced by the bone marrow.

The study, presented this week at the American Heart Association's virtual Vascular Discovery scientific conference, examined PET and CT scans to create 3D images of the brain, major arteries and bone marrow of 62 study participants. Of those, 45 had a heart attack within the previous 45 days, and 17 had no heart attack history. All participants completed questionnaires for depression and perceived stress.

In both groups, those who reported feeling more depressed or stressed showed higher activity in the amygdala.

But these short-term effects can change over time, according to researchers. After six months, 10 heart attack patients who underwent follow-up imaging had near-normal PET and CT scans.

"Amygdala activity has previously been reported to be stable over time. However, the changes seen in our study suggest that stress reduction techniques may lower brain emotional activity and potentially reduce inflammation in arteries and the production of inflammatory cells," Kang said.

"This could potentially modify the course of heart disease. This could become an additional strategy to prevent a second heart attack."

Although the study found significant links between amygdala activity and artery inflammation, more studies are needed to examine the benefits of modifying brain emotional activity on buildup of plaque in the arteries.

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].


American Heart Association News Stories

American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the American Heart Association’s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to American Heart Association News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the American Heart Association’s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.