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Unrealistic optimism is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis
Rebecca A Ferrer1, William M P Klein, Laura E Zajac
1Basic Biobehavioral and Psychological Sciences Branch, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. ferrerra@mail.nih.gov
Summary
Unrealistic optimism about heart disease risk is linked to subclinical atherosclerosis, a marker of hardening arteries. This study found that underestimating personal risk correlated with greater intima-media thickness (IMT).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Behavioral Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Unrealistic optimism, or underestimating personal risk, is linked to poor health behaviors.
- Previous research has not explored the association between unrealistic optimism and subclinical or clinical disease endpoints.
- Subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between unrealistic optimism regarding heart disease risk and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT).
- To determine if underestimation of heart disease risk is related to subclinical atherosclerosis in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional data from 148 adults aged 57-77 in the Pittsburgh Healthy Heart study were analyzed.
- Objective heart disease risk was calculated using the Framingham risk score.
- Intima-media thickness (IMT) was regressed on risk score and perceived risk, controlling for objective risk to define unrealistic optimism.
Main Results:
- After controlling for objective risk score, perceived risk was negatively associated with IMT (β = -.21, p < .01).
- This association indicates that lower perceived risk (unrealistic optimism) was linked to greater IMT.
- The objective Framingham risk score was also significantly associated with IMT (β = .42, p < .001).
Conclusions:
- Unrealistic optimism about heart disease risk is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to establish causality and explore underlying mechanisms.
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