The association of chronic anxiousness with cardiovascular disease and mortality in the community: results from the Gutenberg Health Study

Cortisol, cardiovascular risk, and anxiety in full-time workers in Cartagena, Colombia, 2023

Background

Considering the general trend toward an increased occurrence of cardiovascular and mental health diseases, we studied the relationship between the presence of trait and state anxiety and the alteration of serum cortisol, lipid, and glycemia levels.

Material and methods

The study assessed 90 full-time workers waist circumferences, as well as their cortisol levels at 8 AM and 4 PM, and their fasting serum glucose and lipid profiles. The construct of trait and state anxiety was assessed by means of the Inventory of Trait-State Anxiety (IDARE Spanish version).

Results

The state anxiety scale showed high reliability (ω = 0.94, α = 0.939). Moderate to high state anxiety was observed in 61.1% of participants, while 71.1% had moderate to high trait anxiety. Most participants (94.4%) had AM and PM cortisol levels within normal ranges. PM cortisol levels were lower than AM cortisol levels in 95.6% of participants (86/90). Dyslipidemia was present in 60.4% of participants. No significant sex differences were found in AM and PM cortisol or anxiety levels, except for triglycerides, which were higher in men (p = 0.013). State anxiety was positively correlated with PM cortisol levels (r = 0.232, p = 0.028), no significant associations were found with AM cortisol or age. A significant association was observed between waist circumference and fasting glycemia, with 68.9% of participants exceeding the recommended waist circumference threshold. Obesity was significantly associated with hyperglycemia (p = 0.010). An ANOVA revealed a significant effect of state anxiety on evening cortisol levels (F(2, 87) = 7.336, p = 0.001), with the high state anxiety group exhibiting the highest PM cortisol levels. Additionally, a t-test found a significant difference in triglyceride levels between the presence and absence of state anxiety t (87.999) = -2.244, p = 0.027.

Conclusions

The presence of state anxiety proved to be the type of anxiety most associated with increased evening cortisol levels and triglyceride levels. Understanding the relationships between mental states and biochemical physical conditions will be essential in the future for maximizing the benefits of technological developments applied to the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of patients' overall health.

Demographic Differences in Insomnia and Anxiety and the Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Jordanian Healthy Adult

Background

Prior studies showed that anxiety and insomnia are both associated with Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). There is a lack of literature related to the prevalence of insomnia and anxiety among healthy adult populations in developing countries as in Jordan, Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between the CVD risk factors and both insomnia and anxiety among healthy adults had one or more modifiable CVD risk factors.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional method was used to examine the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, and demographical and clinical association with anxiety and insomnia among 1000 Jordanian adult participants using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the insomnia severity index. Pearson's correlation was used to examine the correlation between anxiety and insomnia scores. Linear regression was used to examine predictors to anxiety and insomnia based on demographical and clinical details.

Results

The result of the current study showed that (30.20%) of participants had higher anxiety scores, (29.70%) had moderate to severe insomnia. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between anxiety and insomnia scores, p = 0.01. Based on the current study findings only marital status and anxiety were unique predictors of insomnia F(14,45) = 989, p = 0.001. Moreover, Predictors of anxiety were gender, hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and insomnia F(19,89) = 989, p = 0.001.

Conclusions

Sleep and psychological well-being are important components of an adult's health and well-being. The study showed that marital status and anxiety are predictors of insomnia. Whereas, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and insomnia were predictors of anxiety. This study highlights the importance of the implementation of a primary prevention strategy for individuals with modifiable CVD risk factors to reduce anxiety and insomnia levels among adults.

Left atrial function index and left atrial electromechanical functions in anxiety disorders

BACKGROUND

There is a close linkage between anxiety disorders (ADs), and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to investigate left atrial function index (LAFI) and its components, LA mechanical functions and atrial conduction times in AD patients and age- and gender-matched control group patients for the first time in the literature.

METHODS

A total of 48 AD patients and 33 healthy subjects were enrolled to the study prospectively. Echocardiographic parameters including two-dimensional conventional echocardiography, diastolic functions, LA mechanical functions, LAFI, atrial conduction times and atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) were calculated.

RESULTS

The velocity-time integral of the LV outflow tract (LVOT-VTI), LAFI and LA conduit volume were significantly lower in AD patients. Atrial electromechanical coupling as established from lateral mitral annulus (PA lateral) was significantly higher in AD group than control group. Inter-AEMD and left intra-AEMD were also higher in AD group compared to control group. Age, gender, body surface area (BSA), conduit volume, LVOT-VTI and LAFI were significant factors associated with AD in univariate analysis. However, only BSA and LVOT-VTI (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.79, 95 CI%: 0.66-0.95, p = 0.013) were independently associated with AD in multivariate analysis. Age, gender, conduit volume and LAFI (OR: 0.25, 95 CI%: 0.03-2.12, p = 0.204) were not found to be independent associates of AD.

CONCLUSION

LAFI is impaired in patients suffering from AD compared to their age- and gender-matched counterparts but this impairment originates from lower levels of LVOT-VTI calculations in AD patients. Thus, LVOT-VTI, but not LAFI, is independently associated with AD.

Significance of depression and androgen deficiency in development of myocardial infarction in young males

In the recent years, close attention has been paid to the study of depression in general medical practice, in particular, among patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Two large groups of factors, which presumably cause such a relationship, are discussed. The first group includes direct pathophysiological factors, the second – indirect, "behavioral" reactions modifying other risk factors for coronary artery disease and reduce patient adherence to prescribed therapy. The age of patients in the observed populations, as well as the predominant type of MI in patients, may have a certain influence on the results of studies. Besides, today, no unambiguous view has been formed on the question of the relationship between the androgenic status of men and the development of coronary artery disease. Among the articles analyzing the effect of androgen levels on the course of coronary heart disease, most of the studies are devoted to androgen content in the blood serum among men with stable angina, while there are relatively few studies evaluating androgen status in acute myocardial infarction and postinfarction cardiosclerosis. On the one hand, it is assumed that age-related androgen deficiency in middle-aged men with coronary heart disease may be a compensatory response to a severe general disease and can contribute to better long-term results of myocardial revascularization in them. On the other hand, it was found that men with coronary heart disease and age-related hypogonadism are characterized by more pronounced manifestations of myocardial ischemia, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, and more severe atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. A review of the latest evidence is presented, summarizing clinical data on the impact of depression and androgen deficiency in the development of myocardial infarction in young men.

Chronic disease outcome metadata from German observational studies - public availability and FAIR principles

Metadata from epidemiological studies, including chronic disease outcome metadata (CDOM), are important to be findable to allow interpretability and reusability. We propose a comprehensive metadata schema and used it to assess public availability and findability of CDOM from German population-based observational studies participating in the consortium National Research Data Infrastructure for Personal Health Data (NFDI4Health). Additionally, principal investigators from the included studies completed a checklist evaluating consistency with FAIR principles (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability) within their studies. Overall, six of sixteen studies had complete publicly available CDOM. The most frequent CDOM source was scientific publications and the most frequently missing metadata were availability of codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Principal investigators' main perceived barriers for consistency with FAIR principles were limited human and financial resources. Our results reveal that CDOM from German population-based studies have incomplete availability and limited findability. There is a need to make CDOM publicly available in searchable platforms or metadata catalogues to improve their FAIRness, which requires human and financial resources.

Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) in an Italian coronary heart disease population

BACKGROUND

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is predominant in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale psychometric properties have never been tested in CHD populations. This study aims to verify the GAD-7 psychometric properties and measurement invariance in an Italian CHD sample.

METHOD

A baseline data secondary analysis from HEARTS-IN-DYADS study. Several healthcare facilities enrolled an adult inpatient sample. Anxiety and depression data were collected using GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Factorial validity was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis; construct validity was tested by correlating GAD-7 scores with PHQ-9 scores and other sociodemographic characteristics; internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and the composite reliability index, while confirmatory multigroup factor analysis was employed to investigate measurement invariance across gender and age (65 vs. 65).

RESULTS

We enrolled 398 patients (mean age 64.7 years; 78.9 % male; 66.8 % married). Factor structure was confirmed as unidimensional. Construct validity was confirmed with significant associations between GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores, female gender, having a caregiver, and being employed. Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability index were 0.89 and 0.90, respectively. Measurement invariance across gender and age was confirmed at the scalar level.

LIMITATIONS

A convenience sample in one European country, a small female sample, validity testing against a single criterion.

CONCLUSION

Study results demonstrate adequate validity and reliability of the GAD-7 in an Italian CHD sample. It showed satisfactory invariance properties; GAD-7 is suitable for measuring anxiety in CHD while making significant comparisons of scores among stratified gender and age groups.

Adaptive and Compensatory Mechanisms of the Cardiovascular System and Disease Risk Factors in Young Males and Females

Background:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing dramatically in young people and is the leading cause of death worldwide.

Aims:

This study aimed to evaluate differences in the adaptive and compensatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system (CVS) in young men and women to determine the most significant risk factors and assess the stability of the non-invasive method used in the early detection of CVD risk factors in young people.

Objectives:

Currently, early evaluation of CVD risk factors is possible only through invasive methods, such as the Framingham risk score and the SCORE chart. Therefore, the development of a more flexible and non-invasive method is crucial in large populations.

Methods:

A cohort cross-sectional investigation examined 173 volunteers, divided into two groups according to gender (n1 female=83, n2 male=90), and their heart rate, blood pressure (SBP/DBP), height, weight, and waist and hip circumference were non-invasively measured. Then, the potential adaptation value (R.M. Baevsky et al., 1987), Martinet test (MT), body mass index (BMI), and waist/hip ratio were calculated. Moreover, we collected information on lifestyle risk factors, including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, factors related to unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, sleep deprivation, and anxiety, through special in-person interviews using paper/online questionnaires. The T-test and the x2 tests were applied for statistical analysis.

Results:

Impaired/pathological cardiovascular adaptation was observed in 11.54% of the female group and 46.07% of the male group. In the female group, cardiovascular recovery abnormalities were observed in the SBP, DBP, and HR MT in 20.59%, 16.18%, and 44.12%, respectively, whereas in the male group, 32.50%, 21.25% and 36.25%, respectively. Despite gender, these deviations were accompanied by the prevalence of sympathetic influences in the regulation of CVS functions in 72.73% of the first group and 69.66% of the second group. BMI was violated in 47.19% of males and 29.49% of females. The test results were identical to that in the invasive methods of assessment of CVD risk factors.

Conclusion:

Abnormalities in cardiovascular adaptation mechanisms in young women are less pronounced. Gender-dependent risk factors have high yields, such as obesity, low physical activity, and hypertension, which are more pronounced in men. The usability of the test requires further investigation on a larger sample.

Candidate Biological Markers for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common psychiatric condition associated with a high risk of psychiatric comorbidity and impaired social/occupational functioning when not promptly treated. The identification of biological markers may facilitate the diagnostic process, leading to an early and proper treatment. Our aim was to systematically review the available literature about potential biomarkers for SAD. A search in the main online repositories (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, PsychInfo, etc.) was performed. Of the 662 records screened, 61 were included. Results concerning cortisol, neuropeptides and inflammatory/immunological/neurotrophic markers remain inconsistent. Preliminary evidence emerged about the role of chromosome 16 and the endomannosidase gene, as well as of epigenetic factors, in increasing vulnerability to SAD. Neuroimaging findings revealed an altered connectivity of different cerebral areas in SAD patients and amygdala activation under social threat. Some parameters such as salivary alpha amylase levels, changes in antioxidant defenses, increased gaze avoidance and QT dispersion seem to be associated with SAD and may represent promising biomarkers of this condition. However, the preliminary positive correlations have been poorly replicated. Further studies on larger samples and investigating the same biomarkers are needed to identify more specific biological markers for SAD.

Sex and Gender Determinants of Vascular Disease in the Global Context

Globally, vascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Many of the most significant risk factors for vascular disease have a gendered dimension, and sex differences in vascular diseases incidence are apparent, worldwide. In this narrative review, we provide a contemporary picture of sex- and gender-related determinants of vascular disease. We illustrate key factors underlying sex-specific risk stratification, consider similarities and sex differences in vascular disease risk and outcomes with comparisons of data from the global North (ie, developed high-income countries in the Northern hemisphere and Australia) and the global South (ie, regions outside Europe and North America), and explore the relationship between country-level gendered inequities in vascular disease risk and the United Nation's gender inequality index. Review findings suggest that the rising incidence of vascular disease in women is partly explained by an increase in the prevalence of traditional risk factors linked to gender-related determinants such as shifting roles and relations related to the double burden of employment and caregiving responsibilities, lower educational attainment, lower socioeconomic status, and higher psychosocial stress. Social isolation partly explained the higher incidence of vascular disease in men. These patterns were apparent across the global North and South. Study findings emphasize the necessity of taking into account sex differences and gender-related factors in the determination of the vascular disease risk profiles and management strategies. As we move toward the era of precision medicine, future research is needed that identifies, validates, and measures gender-related determinants and risk factors in the global South.

Women-Focused Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: An International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Guideline

Women-focused cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR; phase II) aims to better engage women, and might result in better quality of life than traditional programs. This first clinical practice guideline by the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) provides guidance on how to deliver women-focused programming. The writing panel comprised experts with diverse geographic representation, including multidisciplinary health care providers, a policy-maker, and patient partners. The guideline was developed in accordance with Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealTh care (RIGHT). Initial recommendations were on the basis of a meta-analysis. These were circulated to a Delphi panel (comprised of corresponding authors from review articles and of programs delivering women-focused CR identified through ICCPR's audit; N = 76), who were asked to rate each on a 7-point Likert scale in terms of impact and implementability (higher scores positive). A Web call was convened to achieve consensus; 15 panelists confirmed strength of revised recommendations (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE]). The draft underwent external review from CR societies internationally and was posted for public comment. The 14 drafted recommendations related to referral (systematic, encouragement), setting (model choice, privacy, staffing), and delivery (exercise mode, psychosocial, education, self-management empowerment). Nineteen (25.0%) survey responses were received. For all but 1 recommendation, ≥ 75% voted to include; implementability ratings were < 5/7 for 4 recommendations, but only 1 for effect. Ultimately 1 recommendation was excluded, 1 separated into 2 and all revised (2 substantively); 1 recommendation was added. Overall, certainty of evidence for the final recommendations was low to moderate, and strength mostly strong. These recommendations and associated tools can support all programs to feasibly offer some women-focused programming.

Does Mental Distress Predict Cardiac Surgical Outcome?

BACKGROUND

 Mental distress is suspected to influence the morbidity of cardiac patients. Evaluating mental distress in cardiac patients is rare and the impact on surgical outcome is still not certified.

METHODS

 In 94 cardiac surgical patients, mental distress was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). We defined length of stay in hospital and on intensive care unit as well as time of mechanical ventilation as outcomes on surgery. Age, physical activity, diabetes, overweight, PHQ-4, and an inflammation marker were tested for their predictive value on outcomes.

RESULTS

 Reportedly prevalence of generalized anxiety was 16.0% and depression rate was 13.8%. Length of stay in hospital was 13 ± 8 days, time of mechanical ventilation was 10 (0-1,207) hours, and length of stay on intensive care unit was 3 ± 6 days. Length of stay in hospital was significantly predicted by age (p = 0.048), low physical activity (p = 0.029), and high C-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.031). Furthermore, CRP was the only significant predictor of time of mechanical ventilation and length of stay on intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION

 Outcome was not predicted by mental distress. However, inflammation marker CRP was predictive for outcome, potentially caused by higher cardiovascular risk profile. Additionally, depression was referred to be associated with inflammation. Probably, the small sample and the timing of assessment were responsible for the missing relation between mental distress and outcome. We presume a relation with low physical activity and depression. Nevertheless, further randomized studies are needed to pay more attention on patients' distress to intervene preoperatively to improve postoperative outcome.

Hypertension, Anxiety and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19: Mediation by Dietary Salt

This perspective paper used a grounded theory method to synthesize evidence proposing that sodium toxicity from excessive dietary salt intake is a potential common pathophysiological mechanism that mediates the association of hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and anxiety with cardiovascular disease and COVID-19. Increased anxiety in these conditions may be linked to a high-salt diet through stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which increases blood pressure while releasing catecholamines, causing a "fight or flight" response. A rostral shift of fluid overload from the lower to the upper body occurs in obstructive sleep apnea associated with COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease, and may be related to sodium and fluid retention triggered by hypertonic dehydration. Chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system responds to salt-induced dehydration by increasing reabsorption of sodium and fluid, potentially exacerbating fluid overload. Anxiety may also be related to angiotensin II that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to release catecholamines. More research is needed to investigate these proposed interrelated mechanisms mediated by dietary salt. Furthermore, dietary interventions should use a whole-food plant-based diet that eliminates foods processed with salt to test the effect of very low sodium intake levels on hypertension, anxiety, and obstructive sleep apnea in cardiovascular disease and COVID-19.

Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in patients with chronic otitis media

Purpose

Persistent symptoms of chronic otitis media cause limitations in daily routine and social interactions, influencing significantly patients’ quality of life and mental health. The purpose of the study was to assess the intensity depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in patients with chronic otitis media and to examine if patient demographic data, characteristics and reported symptoms of otitis influence reported depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.

Material and methods

The study included 316 adult patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral chronic otitis media with or without cholesteatoma. Patients underwent a complete otological, audiological and radiological assessment. Chronic otitis media questionnaire 12 (COMQ-12) was used to assess the impact of COM and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) was used for depression, anxiety and stress assessment.

Results

Some level of anxiety and stress were detected in 70.57% 49.37% of the patients, respectively. 13.29% of the patients had scores indicating depression disorder. The mean value of the COMQ-12 questionnaire for this group of patients was 26.24 (SD±11.47) More intense symptoms of COM were significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher scores on DASS-21 subscales. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that significant positive predictors of higher anxiety scores were pure tone average (PTA) on better and worse hearing ear (p<0.05). Drainage from the ear, hearing problems at home and tinnitus were significant positive predictors of a higher DASS-depression score. (p<0.05)

Conclusion

The study confirmed positive correlation between reported level of anxiety, depression and stress, severity of COM symptoms and quality of life. Level of hearing on the better and worse hearing ear were significant positive predictors of anxiety and stress in patients with COM.

Association between social phobia and the risk of arrhythmia using the Korean National Sample Cohort: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Social phobia shares symptoms with arrhythmias, such as palpitations and chest discomfort. However, it is unclear how social phobia is associated with the actual risk of arrhythmia. This study aimed to investigate whether social phobia is associated with the risk of arrhythmia using a nationally representative sample cohort.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study assessed data from the 2002-2013 Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort. Using 1:3 propensity score matching for sex, age, income, and insurance status, 1514 patients with social phobia and 4542 control group patients were included in the study. Social phobia and arrhythmia were defined per the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. Using cox proportional hazard regression, hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated to estimate the risk of arrhythmia in patients with social phobia.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant associations between social phobia history and elevated risks of arrhythmia. Patients with social phobia had a higher risk of arrhythmia after adjusting with covariates (HR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.25-2.55). Among different types of arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and flutter presented the highest risk (HR = 2.20, CI = 1.06-4.57) compared to paroxysmal tachycardia (HR = 1.07, CI = 0.39-2.91) and other cardiac arrhythmias (HR = 1.83, CI = 1.16-2.89).

CONCLUSION

This study identified the association between social phobia and the risk of arrhythmia in a South Korean representative cohort. These results suggest that social phobia should be treated properly to reduce arrhythmia risks.

[Psychosomatic medicine in the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) - research questions, measurement instruments, selected results]

Psychosomatic medicine in the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) - research questions, measurement instruments, selected results Goal: Main questions from the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) related to psychosomatic medicine are presented: (1) Prevalence and incidence of mental illnesses, (2) Sex-specific risk- and protective factors for mental health, (3) Interplay between psychological and somatic diseases and (4) methodical-psychometric developments. Methods: The GHS is an ongoing, prospective and interdisciplinary cohort study in Mainz. The comprehensive examinations include psychological characteristics and clinical and laboratory tests. 15010 respondents were selected in the baseline study from 2007 until 2012 and re-examined after 2.5 years and 5 years. Results: Of the first 5000 respondents in the baseline study 413 women (8.7 %) and 276 men (5.8 %) indicated depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 > = 10). After five years, half of the participants with depressive symptoms at baseline also indicated depressive symptoms five years later. Risk factors for men were a lack of social support, for women smoking and Type D personality. The proportion of new cases of depression at follow-up was 4.4 %. Risk factors were symptoms of anxiety, Type D, smoking and comorbid cancer. Protective were age and social support. Findings on the association of physical and mental disorders and their behavioral and biological links (atherosclerosis, inflammation) are presented. Conclusions: Prospective assessment of biological, psychological and social parameters offers the possibility to study their interplay in the development of mental and somatic illnesses.