Positive attitude 'may protect heart health'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People who tend to experience positive feelings appear to benefit from improved cardiovascular health, new research suggests.

Scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health reviewed more than 200 studies to investigate the links between positive psychological wellbeing and cardiovascular health.

They found that optimistic people had a 50 per cent reduced risk, on average, of having a heart attack or stroke, compared with their less positive peers.

Lead author Dr Julia Boehm revealed: 'We found that factors such as optimism, life satisfaction, and happiness are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of such factors as a person's age, socioeconomic status, smoking status or body weight.'

The study, which is published in the Psychological Bulletin, also showed that people with a sense of psychological wellbeing tended to lead healthier lifestyles, including taking more exercise, eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep.

Maureen Talbot, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, commented that the links between heart disease and mental health are still not fully understood.

However, she said that the latest study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to provide a 'holistic' approach to patient care.   netdoctor