Latest news with #DrAlexanderMontasem
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Sense of hope is key for heart patients, study finds
Heart patients who are pessimistic about their condition have an increased risk of dying or suffering a heart attack, according to academics who studied people undergoing treatment at an acute research was commissioned by the British Heart Foundation and presented to the British Cardiovascular Society."Our systematic review suggests that hopelessness could increase people's risk of death," said Dr Alexander Montasem, a senior lecturer in researchers, from the University of Liverpool and Lancashire Cardiac Centre, noted that one previous study of men with a pre-existing cardiovascular condition hopelessness was linked to a six-fold higher risk of death. The researchers reviewed data from 12 studies involving 5,540 patients diagnosed with various different cardiovascular diseases. Having less hope was associated with an increased risk of a first heart attack in people with no previous history of angina, even taking into account other risk factors like age, perceived health status, depression and socioeconomic risk factors. 'Benefits of support' The review showed that more hope was linked to reduced cardiovascular symptoms like angina and post-stroke Montasem said: "For many people, living with cardiovascular disease can be a difficult experience. Patients often struggle with debilitating symptoms as well as anxiety about the future."Mental health support could be very beneficial for a wide range of people with heart problems."One study found that higher levels of hope protected women against experiencing angina – pain or discomfort in the chest often caused by coronary heart disease. In a study of stroke patients of both sexes, greater hope was strongly linked to reduced levels of post-stroke studies included psychological data, which showed that more hope was linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, and improved resilience and quality of data also indicated possible reasons for the reduced risk seen in people with more hope were that they also showed greater levels of self-care and were less likely to "skip" report's authors now want to understand whether it is possible to boost patients' hope, for example by introducing specialist therapy, or chaplaincy support while in hospital, which could help improve health and lower death rates in this at-risk group. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
‘Staying hopeful is helpful': How positivity can help reduce risk of stroke
A study suggests that a positive mindset can significantly lower the risk of future health problems after a stroke or heart disease diagnosis. The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), analysed data from 12 previous studies involving 5,540 patients with conditions like coronary heart disease and stroke. Hopelessness was associated with a six-fold higher death risk from heart disease in men with pre-existing heart conditions, while higher hope in women was protective against angina. Higher hope was linked to a lower risk of post-stroke fatigue, lower depression and anxiety levels, enhanced resilience, and improved quality of life. Dr. Alexander Montasem and Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan suggest that mental health support and staying hopeful can be beneficial for people with heart problems, potentially improving treatment adherence and overall wellbeing.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Maintaining hopeful attitude ‘could prevent heart attacks and early death'
Maintaining a hopeful attitude when diagnosed with stroke or heart disease could prevent heart attacks and early death, research suggests. Scientists found that keeping the faith and using it as a 'self-prescription' could ward off future health problems. The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester, reviewed data from 12 existing studies involving 5,540 patients with coronary heart disease, stroke or heart valve problems. The typical age of people in the study was 60 and 63% were men. One of the research papers on 2,482 men found hopelessness was associated with a six-fold higher death risk from heart disease in those with pre-existing heart conditions, and a 2.3-fold higher risk in those without any problems. Meanwhile, a separate study on women found higher levels of hope were protective against angina, which is chest pain caused by heart disease. Elsewhere, in stroke patients, higher hope was linked to a much lower risk of post-stroke fatigue. And in six studies reporting psychological outcomes, higher hope was linked to lower depression and anxiety levels, enhanced resilience and improved quality of life. The research further indicated that people with higher hope scores tended to have greater levels of self-care and were less likely to skip taking their medication. Dr Alexander Montasem, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Liverpool and author on the study, said: 'For many people, living with cardiovascular disease can be a difficult experience. ' Patients often struggle with debilitating symptoms as well as anxiety about the future. This study aimed to reveal more about how people's outlook on their situation can influence their health. 'Our systematic review suggests that hopelessness could increase people's risk of death, but also their symptoms and how well they stick to treatment plans. 'Mental health support could be very beneficial for a wide range of people with heart problems.' Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'This research is a good reminder of how staying hopeful wherever possible can be helpful when it comes to living with cardiovascular disease. 'It could be an important self-prescription for maintaining your wellbeing and quality of life, alongside your current medical care.' Ruth Goss, senior cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'The review showed that people with hope followed their treatment plans more closely, and it's important to remember that the best thing you can do for your health is to follow the advice recommended by your doctor. 'Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing is important for people living with cardiovascular disease, and if anyone is struggling, they should speak to their medical team.'
