Psychological Stress as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Case-Control Study

Introduction Stress is a phenomenon elicited in response to certain triggers that may be external or internal. Stress has been identified as a risk factor for various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aim to find an association between psychological stress and cardiovascular disease in the local setting Methods This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from June 2019 to December 2019. One hundred and seventeen (117) patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina were enrolled in the case group. One hundred and ten (110) patient’s attendants were enrolled in the study as controlled. Results The risk of a cardiovascular event was higher in patients with a history of social isolation (OR, 2.47), marital stress (OR, 2.28), work stress (OR, 3.2), childhood abuse (OR, 2.78), or trauma (OR, 2.67). Conclusion Psychological stress is an important risk for cardiovascular disease, which is often overlooked. Efforts should be made to include questions related to psychological stress in the history-taking of patients at risk of a cardiovascular event and the management plan should include psychological counseling.