STRESS, EMOTIONS AND DEPRESSION 
STRESS, EMOTIONS AND DEPRESSION DISCLAIMER: THIS PAGE CONTAINS A GENERAL EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION ON THE ABOVE TOPIC. IT IS NOT HEALTH ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS SUCH. YOU SHOULD NEVER RELY UPON THE INFORMATION GIVEN HERE. YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY WELL REQUIRE AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT APPROACH. YOU SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR MEDICATIONS, DIET, ACTIVITY, LIFESTYLE, ETC. WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING A LICENSED PHYSICIAN IN YOUR AREA.
It is uncertain whether or not personality type and stress contribute to the development of heart disease. However, once heart disease has developed, emotional stress can definitely trigger the development of chest discomfort and heart attacks.
The type A personality has been associated with the development of heart disease in some but not all studies. The type A personality refers to people who are highly competitive, hard working and ambitious.
The most recent research also implicates expressed anger, hostility, maritial stress, low levels of social support as promoting coronary artery disease.
There does not seem to be much one can do to alter one's personality but we should all strive to minimize stress and negative emotions in life.
Close to 10% of the population suffers from depression. This disorder can have severe implications for a person's overall physical health as well. As a many as one third of people with coronary disease suffer some some degree of depression and these people have a higher chance of dying than nondepressed coronary patients. People without known heart disease have a markedly increased chance of sudden cardiac death if they develop depression. It is therefore very important for physicians and patients alike to be alert for signs of depression so appropriate treatment can be administered.
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