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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

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Open Access 01-02-2015

Psychological Resources are Associated with Reduced Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease. An 8-Year Follow-up of a Community-Based Swedish Sample

Authors: Oskar Lundgren, Peter Garvin, Lena Jonasson, Gerhard Andersson, Margareta Kristenson

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

A large number of studies have provided clear evidence for a link between the risk of coronary heart disease and psychological risk factors. Much less attention has been given to the potential protective effect of psychological resources.

Purpose

The major aim of this study was to investigate the independent association between psychological resources and incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in an 8-year follow-up study of a Swedish community-based cohort.

Methods

The cohort consisted of 484 men and 497 women, aged 45–69 years at baseline. The incidence of first-time major event of CHD was analysed in relation to baseline levels of psychological resources, including mastery, self-esteem, and sense of coherence as well as psychological risk factors including cynicism and hostile affect, vital exhaustion, hopelessness, and depressive symptoms. In Cox proportional hazard models, adjustments were made for age, sex, eight traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and depressive symptoms.

Results

A total of 56 CHD events had occurred after the 8-year follow-up. After adjustment for age, sex, and eight traditional risk factors, a significantly decreased risk of CHD was found for mastery (HR 0.62 per SD, p = 0.003), self-esteem (HR 0.64, p = 0.004), and sense of coherence (HR 0.70, p = 0.031). An increased risk of CHD was found for vital exhaustion (HR 1.46, p = 0.014), hopelessness (HR 1.59, p = 0.003), and depressive symptoms (HR 1.45, p = 0.009). After further adjustment for depressive symptoms, significant associations remained for mastery (HR 0.67, p = 0.034), self-esteem (HR 0.69, p = 0.048), and hopelessness (HR 1.48, p = 0.023).

Conclusions

The psychological resources, mastery and self-esteem, showed robust protective effects on CHD, also after adjustment for established risk factors as well as depressive symptoms. In parallel, hopelessness was an independent risk factor for CHD. The results may have implications for novel approaches in preventive efforts.

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Title: Psychological Resources are Associated with Reduced Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease. An 8-Year Follow-up of a Community-Based Swedish Sample
Authors: Oskar Lundgren
Peter Garvin
Lena Jonasson
Gerhard Andersson
Margareta Kristenson
Publication date: 01-02-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-014-9387-5

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Psychological Resources are Associated with Reduced Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease. An 8-Year Follow-up of a Community-Based Swedish Sample

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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