Study Suggests Mental Stress , May Pose an Increased Risk , to Cardiovascular Health .br 'The New York Times' reports that chronic br psychological stress may play a larger role br in heart health than traditional cardiac risk factors. .br 'The New York Times' reports that chronic br psychological stress may play a larger role br in heart health than traditional cardiac risk factors. .br According to a study published in November br in 'JAMA,' mental stress took a significantly br greater toll on the heart than physical stress. .br Those who experienced greater mental stress were more likely to suffer a nonfatal heart attack or die of cardiovascular disease in the years following the test. .br Those who experienced greater mental stress were more likely to suffer a nonfatal heart attack or die of cardiovascular disease in the years following the test. .br Dr. Michael T. Osborne, a cardiologist br at Massachusetts General Hospital, , explained that the Interheart study showed that mental stress is an independent risk factor for heart attacks, causing damages similar to more commonly-measured risks. .br Dr. Osborne said evidence suggestsbr that modern medicine has largely neglected br a vitally important danger to heart health.br He says that regular physical exercise br can help control stress and prevent br the body-wide inflammation it can cause. .br He says that regular physical exercise br can help control stress and prevent br the body-wide inflammation it can cause. .br Developing healthy sleep habits can br also help reduce the risk of damage br to your cardiovascular system. .br The 'NYT' points out that relaxation practices like mindfulness meditation, controlled breathing, yoga and tai chi can also help people cope with stress. .br Additionally, Dr. Osborne says that several br common medications can help. .br Statins reduce cholesterol and br counter arterial inflammation. .