Being happy and staying positive helps to ward off heart disease.
Preliminary studies have indicated that patients with early-onset depression have a significantly higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). To see if staying happy could ward off heart disease, researchers monitored the health of 1,700 Americans over 10 years. At the start of the study participants were assessed for emotions ranging from hostility and anxiousness, to joy, enthusiasm and contentment. They were given a rating on a five-point scale to score their level of positive emotions. By the end of study period, 145 persons had developed heart disease.
It was found that the most anxious and depressed had the highest risk of heart disease. For each rise in the happiness scale there was a 22% lower risk of developing heart disease. Since happier people have better sleeping patterns, are less liable to suffer stress and more able to move on from upsetting experiences, they are less vulnerable to develop heart disease.
Though more research is needed to study the link between happiness and risk of heart disease, the researchers recommend developing a more positive outlook to lower their risk of heart disease.
Preliminary studies have indicated that patients with early-onset depression have a significantly higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). To see if staying happy could ward off heart disease, researchers monitored the health of 1,700 Americans over 10 years. At the start of the study participants were assessed for emotions ranging from hostility and anxiousness, to joy, enthusiasm and contentment. They were given a rating on a five-point scale to score their level of positive emotions. By the end of study period, 145 persons had developed heart disease.
It was found that the most anxious and depressed had the highest risk of heart disease. For each rise in the happiness scale there was a 22% lower risk of developing heart disease. Since happier people have better sleeping patterns, are less liable to suffer stress and more able to move on from upsetting experiences, they are less vulnerable to develop heart disease.
Though more research is needed to study the link between happiness and risk of heart disease, the researchers recommend developing a more positive outlook to lower their risk of heart disease.