Can you really give yourself a heart attack? (or a stroke)?

My in-laws are very high-stress people and my husband is convinced that they are going to "give themselves" these problems. Is this so?

A very very stressful time can bring on a heart attack but there are other factors as well such as, weight, age, fitness, smoking, if it runs in your family, Source(s): Registered Nurse

Stess can elevate blood pressure over an extended period, and trigger the release of high levels of clot-forming platelets. BP over time, platelets as a trigger.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/475465...
The have to have the pre-existing condition. So all this stress might increase their chances if they are predisposed
Absolutely. Many studies have been done on this phenomenon they classifiy these people as type a. they are twice as likely to suffer from a cardovascular event as type b people.

The Type A personality, also known as the Type A Behavior Pattern, is a set of characteristics that includes being impatient, excessively time-conscious, insecure about one's status, highly competitive, aggressive, hostile, and incapable of relaxation.[1] Type A individuals are often highly achieving workaholics who multi-task, drive themselves with deadlines, and are unhappy about the smallest of delays. The Type B personality, in contrast, is patient, relaxed, and easy-going.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/type_a_pers...