In a new study about the factors that could increase the risk of heart attacks, the scientists discovered that the anxiety has a marked role.

The research, which was published in  the January 15, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) has shown that older men with sustained and pervasive anxiety appear to be at increased risk for a heart attack even after their levels of depression, anger, hostility and Type A behavior are considered.

The investigators, lead by Biing-Jiun Shen, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, have assessed through psychological tests the level of anxiety among a group of 735 men.

During their research, they examined four different measures of anxiety. The first anxiety scale measures excessive doubts, obsessive thoughts and irrational compulsions. The second anxiety scale rated social introversion or anxiety in interpersonal and social situations.

The phobias were comprised in a third scale, while the fourth one measured the tendency to experience tension and physical arousal in stressful situations.

After examining the data, the scientists concluded that those subjects, who tested at the highest 15th percentile on any of the four anxiety scales, as well as on a scale combining all four, faced an increase in the risk of heart attack of approximately 30 to 40 percent.

But there is also a bright side, because Dr. Shein explained that the anxiety is very treatable.

"If someone is highly anxious - if they're suffering from panic attacks or social phobia or constant worry - we recommend therapy. Although more research is needed, we hope that by reducing anxiety, we can lower the future risk of heart attack. This is one more reason to seek help,” he said.

In the near future, the scientists consider a similar study about the role of anxiety in provoking heart attacks in women.