Scientists have concluded from studies that constant stress and anxiety can even affect the rhythm of the heartbeat, heightening the risk of heart disease. A study presented by Juan Marques of Central University of Venezuela in Caracas showed that patients are especially vulnerable if they have a history of heart attack, family history of sudden death or coronary disease, and cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity or live a sedentary lifestyle. Even sombre events such as the anniversary of the death of a loved one incur stress cause heart diseases with fatal outcomes, particularly for men. People with heart conditions and living in permanent anxiety have a twice higher chance of suffering a heart attack or to die compared to those who live calmly.