The uncontrollable palpitations and quickened pulse that accompany stress and anxiety in most people are particularly bad news for those who already have cardiovascular problems.
So says Thomas Rutledge, Ph.D. The University of Pittsburgh psychologist treated 80 patients suffering from cardiovascular disease with the heart drugs amlodipine and atenolol, then had them exercise on a treadmill and take a set of psychological tests to assess their mood. During their final exercise session, 90% of the more highly stressed subjects complained of chest pain, compared to just 40% of the entire group. That's because stressed heart disease sufferers are more likely to have high blood pressure than their calmer counterparts, undercutting the impact of their medication, Rutledge explains. If they can improve their mood before starting treatment, however, they can restore their responsiveness to drug therapy. So Rutledge advises doctors to screen for stress before prescribing medication, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease, so the drugs can work as effectively as possible.
