Unfairness and heart attacks

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times discusses the relationship between believing one was treated unfairly and subsequent heart attacks and angina (chest pain).

Civil servants in England were asked, "I often have the feeling that I am being treated unfairly." At the time of surveying, none of the approximately 6000 respondents were in poor health or showed signs of heart disease.

Ten years later, for those who reported high levels of unfair treatment, 387 had either died or had been treated for angina or other heart problems.

Respondents who reported less unfair treatment had lower levels of cardiac events.

The authors interpret these results as evidence for a possible relationship between cardiovascular and mental health. The mechanisms for the relationship are indirect. People who believe they have been treated unfairly are more likely to drink, smoke, overeat, and engage in other similar risky behaviors.