If you rarely express your feelings in relationships or in other interactions, you may be increasing your odds of having a stroke.
Women who suppress their emotional expressions – also known as "self-silencing" – have a greater risk of carotid plaque buildup, according to a new study presented at the North American Menopause Society's annual meeting in Chicago.
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Researchers gave questionnaires to 304 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, aged 40 to 60. They asked how often the women use self-silencing tactics, such as hiding emotions, like anger, or putting the needs of others before their own.
Women who engaged in "self-silencing" were 14% more likely to have greater amounts of plaque buildup in their arteries, the study found.
Researchers largely attributed the plaque buildup to "self-silencing" as opposed to other common cardiovascular risks, including socio-demographic factors and depression.
The additional plaque found in the carotid artery can lead to a greater risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular problems, researchers said.
Past studies have shown that women who report more "self-silencing" tactics also tend to report symptoms of depression and anger, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. However, this was the first study to examine the direct effects on cardiovascular health.
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