"The amygdala is a critical component of the brain's stress network and becomes metabolically active during times of stress," Tawakol said. The scans recorded brain activity, bone marrow activity, spleen activity and inflammation in the heart arteries. The researchers also found that amygdalar activity was associated with increased bone marrow activity and inflammation in the arteries. The finding suggests a complex chain of events that might explain the stress and heart risk link. "It suggests a new approach for examining the links between stress, emotion and cardiovascular disease."

Source: CNN January 11, 2017 23:26 UTC