Your heart may age early if you have these personality traits

Researchers in their new study revealed that certain traits in personality may be associated with the signs of early ageing of the heart.

According to the study published in the European Heart Journal, anxiety, and irritability have been regarded as early signs that could cause early aging of the heart.

Experts at the Queen Mary University of London coined the term "neuroticism" for personality traits. It included changing moods, worrying excessively, and self-consciousness.

The team found that a "greater tendency towards neuroticism personality traits was tied to smaller, poorer functioning ventricles with lower left ventricular mass, higher myocardial fibrosis, and higher arterial stiffness."

The condition was identified apart from other risk factors such as obesity and smoking. The study also found that it was more robust in men than women.

The research suggested that the findings "highlight the link between mental health and cardiovascular health," urging the need to promote mental well-being in the general population.

"We know there are important links between mental health and cardiovascular outcomes, and our study has uncovered that harmful changes to the heart are seen in people with neurotic personality traits such as anxiety, depression, and excessive worrying," Steffen Petersen, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London, noted.

Petersen added: “Even when lifestyle factors, like smoking, weight, and age, are taken into consideration, neurotic traits appear to be linked to signs of heart ageing."

Associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation James Leiper said: "We know that living with a mental health condition can increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, and this important research shows that certain personality traits — which can be early signs of mental health conditions — can lead to changes to the heart that are synonymous with heart ageing."

Leiper also stated: "This study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be mindful that patients who may be at risk of mental health conditions, may benefit from support to help lower risk of heart conditions."

"With mental health diagnoses becoming increasingly common, we hope future research will investigate these links further."

"If you're looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your physical and mental wellbeing, speak to your GP, as they can help you find ways to look after your heart that suit you," Leiper maintained.