Stress, heart disease, and what to do about it

Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that psychosocial factors, such as cynical distrust, chronic stress, and depression are associated with higher blood levels of C-reactive protein (associated with acute inflammatory reactions), interleukin-6 (stimulates an immune response to tissue damage), and fibrinogen (causes blood to clot).

All are related to an increased risk of heart disease.

What can we do about this?

It turns out there’s a lot.

Are you and those around you suffering because of your cynical distrust and depression? Consider these options.

• Behavioral therapy here, here, and here
• Get a pet

Stressed out? There are lots of options.

• Harvard has a guide to stress management
• Mindfulness
• Massage, or, if you happen to have a baby, try baby massage
• Cananga odorata (ylang-ylang)
• Get a pet

You’ll notice there is one therapy that treats all.