Hypochondria can trigger a coronary

PEOPLE who fret about their health really are at risk of worrying themselves sick, researchers say.

The “worried well”, those who agonise over their health, are more than twice as likely to develop severe heart problems.

Those with the highest levels of “health anxiety” were the most at risk of a potentially fatal heart attack or angina, a study of more than 7 000 people found. Scientists believe hypochondriacs put their body in a state of high alert in which it is constantly on guard for any symptom of illness. This incessant checking and the resulting stress puts them at high risk of heart problems.

Writing in the journal BMJ Open, the research team, led by Norway’s University of Bergen, said: “Persistent and exaggerated attention to symptoms risks placing strain on bodily systems and, in turn, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.” – Daily Mail