The Association between Maladaptive Coping Strategies and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A 12-Year Evaluation from the...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Research indicates a potential association between maladaptive coping strategies and cardiovascular risk factors, though evidence remains inconclusive.
• Early prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial, necessitating further investigation into psychological factors influencing CVD.
• This study addresses the need to evaluate the relationship between coping strategies and cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maladaptive coping strategies and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
• To determine if this association differs across age groups.
• To inform potential interventions for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Isfahan Cohort Study (2001-2015) involving 1388 participants aged 35+.
• Assessed cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, overweight/obesity, diabetes), lifestyle factors, and coping strategies via a questionnaire.
• Employed Chi-square, ANOVA, and mixed-effect logistic regression, with analyses stratified by age (<60 and ≥60).

Main Results:

• A higher maladaptive coping score was significantly correlated with increased risks of hypertension (OR 1.003), dyslipidemia (OR 1.003), and overweight/obesity (OR 1.004).
• Trends observed in the overall cohort were mirrored in participants under 60 years.
• No significant associations between maladaptive coping and cardiovascular risk factors were found in participants aged 60 and older.

Conclusions:

• Managing maladaptive coping strategies may be a viable approach for mitigating cardiovascular risk factors.
• Interventions targeting maladaptive coping may be particularly beneficial for younger adults in preventing cardiovascular disease.
• Findings highlight the importance of psychological well-being in cardiovascular health management.