An Ecologic Analysis of Psychosocial Stress and Heart Disease in British Columbia

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada. However, much heart disease incidence cannot be explained by known risk factors, and evidence points to the potential role played by the psychosocial environment. This study involves an ecologic analysis exploring the relationships between psychosocial stress and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in British Columbia. First, data from the Canada Health Promotion Survey correlated stress indicators (i.e., education, marital status) with self-reported stress levels. Results showed gender differences in stress. Stage II consisted of a multivariate analysis of ischaemic heart disease mortality in B.C. Results indicate a strong association between heart disease outcomes and educational background for both males and females. Findings of this study support a link between IHD and psychosocial factors. The results of the multiple regression must be interpreted with caution, given the use of an ecologic analysis. Additional research at the individual level is needed to fully understand these relationships.