Doctors have long known that hostility, depression, anxiety and anger have a negative effect on heart health. Now, a long-term study finds that the combined presence of these traits makes it more likely that a veteran will experience coronary heart disease.

The study, published in the November/December issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, followed 2,105 Air Force veterans who served in the Vietnam War, with researchers tracking their cardiovascular health over 17 years, from 1985 to 2002. At the start of the study, none of the vets showed evidence of coronary heart disease.

Researchers assessed participants’ hostility, anxiety and depression when the study began. The men then underwent periodic physical examinations until 2002.

Last Modified: Saturday, December 23rd, 2006 @ 15:15

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