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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.