Brain - Blood Connections Stress and Heart Disease

We have known that increased stress can lead to premature death, but there has never been a direct connection. Now in a study using both mice, and ironically, medical residents in ICU rotations, researchers discovered that high stress situations leads to increased levels of inflammatory white blood cells, and actually led to destabilization of ateriosclerotic plaques (or blockages). This made them more susceptible to creating complete blockages and causing heart attacks.

So maybe we should all listen to Bobby McFerrin - "Don't Worry - Be Happy" and live longer!