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Inner Peace Could Save You From A Heart Attack

A recent study suggests that life satisfaction is linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes, underscoring the importance of mental and emotional well-being in heart disease prevention. Dr. Wen Sun, the study’s lead author, highlighted that enhancing happiness and life satisfaction could be valuable components of routine healthcare. He proposed that engaging in regular physical exercise, building social connections, and managing stress are effective strategies for improving overall well-being.

The research drew from a substantial dataset involving over 120,000 participants from the U.K. Biobank, a prominent medical research resource. Participants completed surveys measuring their satisfaction across various life domains, such as relationships, health, and finances. The researchers then examined the relationship between these well-being scores and the participants’ risk for four significant cardiovascular conditions: clogged arteries, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

The findings revealed a clear correlation between higher well-being scores and a significantly reduced risk of heart disease. Those with the highest satisfaction levels had a 44% lower risk of clogged arteries, a 45% lower risk of stroke, a 51% lower risk of heart failure, and a 56% lower risk of heart attack. The study indicated that individuals with greater contentment often adopted healthier lifestyles and showed lower inflammation levels, which could contribute to their reduced health risks.

Dr. Sun emphasized that these results demonstrate how psychological health significantly influences physical well-being, uncovering biological processes that were previously overlooked. This research contributes to the understanding of how emotional health plays a vital role in preventing cardiovascular issues.

Dr. Glenn Levine, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine not involved in the study, noted that while the findings may not be surprising, they further establish the connection between positive mental health and decreased heart disease risk. He highlighted the need to consider both negative and positive psychological factors to gain a comprehensive view of the relationship between mental health and cardiovascular health.