Anxiety was associated with a 52% increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (HR 1.52) compared with no anxiety in individuals free from cardiovascular disease at baseline.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,565,699)
Does anxiety increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease in people free from CVD at baseline?
Anxiety is an independent risk factor associated with a 52% increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease, suggesting it may be a target for CVD prevention.
Effect estimate: HR 1.52 (95% CI 1.36-1.71)
p-value: p=<0.001
Background Anxiety has been associated with new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the quality of this relationship is unclear. Only if anxiety is a causal, independent cardiovascular risk factor might it be a target for CVD prevention. Aims To determine and examine the independent association and causality between anxiety and incident CVD. Method PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched up to October 2013. A review of Hill's criteria for causality and random effects meta-analysis were conducted of prospective, population-based studies examining anxiety and incident CVD in people free from CVD at baseline. Results The meta-analysis comprised 37 papers ( n = 1 565 699). The follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 years. Anxiety was associated with a 52% increased incidence of CVD (hazard ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.36–1.71). The risk seemed independent of traditional risk factors and depression. The evaluation of Hill's criteria largely argued in favour of causality. Conclusions Anxiety may be of interest for CVD prevention. Future research should examine biological and behavioural underpinnings of the association in order to identify targets for intervention.
Batelaan et al. (Tue,) conducted a meta-analysis in Free from cardiovascular disease (n=1,565,699). Anxiety (anxiety disorder or increased anxiety symptoms) vs. No anxiety (no anxiety disorder or no/minimal anxiety symptoms) was evaluated on Incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.36-1.71, p=<0.001). Anxiety was associated with a 52% increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (HR 1.52) compared with no anxiety in individuals free from cardiovascular disease at baseline.