It is already well known that stress is one of the underlying factors that may contribute to a cardiovascular incident such as a heart attack.

But how exactly does this happen? New research suggests that stress tends to lead people to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and being lax about physical fitness.

These bad habits, in turn, lead to a higher risk of suffering heart problems, the scientists say.

Researcher Mark Hamer from University College London and colleagues followed more than 6,500 people who took part in the Scottish Health Study, tracking their psychological and physical health.

Following up seven years later, those participants who had been deemed to have a high level of stress, anxiety and depression were 50 percent more likely to have suffered a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular incident.

Smoking and lack of physical activity were two behaviors cited as contributing to the pattern.

“Treating psychological disorders that aim to reduce cardiovascular disease risk should not only focus on the symptoms, but also on behavioral risk factors,” commented Hamel.

Natural strategies for reducing stress may include meditation, yoga, massage and taking herbal supplements.