Self-silencing linked to heightened risk of stroke, cardiovascular diseases

Although self-silencing has been linked to worse mental and self-reported physical health in women, it has not been previously examined in relation to women’s cardiovascular health.

While people might think that letting out your true feelings can be good for the mental being, it is equally beneficial for your physical health.

Researchers tested whether self-silencing was associated with carotid atherosclerosis. (Unsplash)

A new study associated self-silencing (inhibiting one’s self-expression) with greater carotid plaque buildup which could lead to stroke and other cardiovascular problems.

Individuals engage in a range of behaviours to maintain close relationships, some of which may be costly to their own health. One such behaviour is self-silencing, which is sometimes used to avoid conflict or relationship loss.

Although self-silencing has been linked to worse mental and self-reported physical health in women, it has not been previously examined in relation to women’s cardiovascular health.

In this new study of 304 premenopausal and postmenopausal non-smoking women, researchers tested whether self-silencing was associated with carotid atherosclerosis. They found that greater self-silencing was related to increased odds of plaque independent of socio-demographics, CVD risk factors, and depression.

The results were based on women’s self-reporting on a range of factors such as how often they expressed anger or put someone else’s needs before their own. Ultrasound imaging was used to quantify carotid plaque.

“Studies like this one are valuable as they highlight the importance of understanding how a woman’s emotional disposition can affect her physical health,” added Dr. Stephanie Faubion, NAMS medical director.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.)

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