### How Mental Health Issues Increase Heart Disease Risk Recent studies have shown a strong connection between mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and long-term stress, and an increased risk of heart problems. Researchers found that people with these mental health conditions developed risk factors for major heart problems, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, much earlier than those without these conditions. Specifically, people with depression or anxiety had a 35% higher risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. One study evaluated 10 years of health data from over 71,000 adults and found that those with a genetic predisposition to stress developed heart problem risk factors 1.5 years sooner than those without this genetic trait. The findings suggest that mental health issues might cause brain changes that lead to increased inflammation and fat deposition in the body, which can contribute to heart disease. Another study found that cumulative stress also has a significant impact on heart health. People with higher levels of cumulative stress had a 22% higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, and a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease and heart failure. High stress levels were linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and lack of exercise, which further increased health risks. These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues not just for emotional well-being but also for physical health. Regular screenings for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes in people with depression or anxiety could help identify and treat these conditions earlier, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.