A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.
Abstract
Those with higher amygdala activity were at a greater risk of a future cardiovascular event.
Main
Tawakol A, Ishai A et al. The Lancet 2017; 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31714-7
The amygdala is that part of the brain within the temporal lobes, shaped like two almonds. It has a host of different functions for example emotional learning and possibly sexual orientation. The aim of this study was to explore links between amygdala activity and the risk of a cardiovascular event. In this study, 293 patients were followed-up for almost 4 years; brain activity was recorded using PET/CT scan, bone marrow and spleen activity and inflammation of arteries were measured using validated measures. Over twenty patients suffered a cardiovascular event including heart attacks, angina, heart failure, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. Resting metabolic activity within the amygdala was associated with increased bone-marrow activity (r=0·47; p<0·0001), arterial inflammation (r=0·49; p<0·0001), and risk of cardiovascular disease events (standardised hazard ratio 1·59, 95% CI 1·27–1·98; p<0·0001), independent of established risk factors. In a parallel cross-sectional study, amygdala activity was linked with perceived stress.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Relation between resting amygdalar activity and cardiovascular events: a longitudinal and cohort study. Br Dent J 222, 170 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.119
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.119