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Fear of death that usually follows the patients who suffer severe disease usually will have an unfavorable impact on the healing process of these patients. This usually occurs in patients who have heart disease.

Study conducted by researchers from London who analyzed 208 patients who suffering heart disease concluded that high levels of fear of death could make her heart condition getting worse. This is because the stress suffered by people with heart disease may increase levels of TNF-alpha chemical compounds.

Level of TNF-alpha substance is higher in patients with heart attacks associated with inflammation in their blood higher. In the European Heart Journal, the researchers reveal that high levels of substance TNF-alpha can exacerbate health conditions.

"Large inflammatory response known could damage the heart and increase the long-term risk of heart problems," said Andrew Steptoe of the British Heart Foundation, as quoted by BBC News, Friday (3/6/2011).

Prof Steptoe who worked on this study reveal that fear of death is not just an emotional response, but associated with biological changes that occur during acute cardiac disorders.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mike Knapto as medical director of the British Heart Foundation said that the people who most suffered during heart attacks have a higher levels of TNF-alpha, so that the inflammation associated with a greater presence in the body.

"What needs to be done now is to help eliminate the fear of death in patients with heart attack, so hopefully could give better results in the long term," said Dr. Knapto.