Study Shows Impact of Anxiety on Physical Health

A growing body of research is highlighting how anxiety doesn’t just affect mental health — it can contribute directly to physical illness. A meta-analysis of 46 cohort studies found that individuals with anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorders have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart failure, stroke, and coronary heart disease.One recent UK Biobank study explored how anxiety contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) by examining lifestyle, physical, and metabolic risk factors. The findings showed that people with diagnosed anxiety disorder had a 62% higher risk of developing CVD, with elevated blood pressure and smoking contributing substantially to this excess risk.
On a biological level, anxiety has been linked to chronic inflammation—a recognized driver of many physical diseases. Research shows that people with anxiety disorders often have elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as C‑reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‑6 (IL‑6), which can damage blood vessels and promote cardiovascular disease.Experts say these findings underscore the need to treat anxiety not just as a mental health issue but as a significant risk factor for chronic physical illnesses. Integrating anxiety management into primary care, encouraging healthy lifestyle changes, and monitoring inflammation could help reduce the long-term health burden linked to anxiety.