Looking up DOES really decrease the risk of heart attack

A scientific review found that looking at the bright side of life reduces the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Being optimistic has a direct impact on cardiovascular health – by reducing stress hormones, pulse and blood pressure, experts say.

Their study shows that people with a positive attitude eat better, exercise more, and are less likely to smoke and drink.

Scientists from Northwestern University in Chicago and Harvard School of Public Health in Boston examined all existing evidence linking psychological well-being with cardiovascular health.

The researchers, whose work is published in the journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that mental prospects were "systematically linked" to heart disease.

They cited a study in which 25% of the most optimistic people had a 38% risk of death from heart disease.

Other articles have associated the feeling of having a "higher goal" in life and lower chances of having a stroke.

The researchers said doctors should consider using counseling or relaxation strategies such as yoga or tai chi to improve the mental health of their patients.

Lead author Professor Darwin Labarthe of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine said, "We have been looking at how the social environment, psychological well-being and the effectiveness of coping strategies. intervention can help to strengthen the patient's perspectives.

"We wondered if psychological well-being could be systematically associated with a reduced risk of heart disease."

He added, "Optimists persevere by using problem-solving and planning strategies to manage stressors.

"If others face factors beyond their control, they begin to change their goals and use potentially inappropriate coping strategies, ultimately leading to increased levels of inflammation and a less favorable heart health. "

The research team found that optimistic people were less likely to smoke – and if they are already smoking, they are more likely to quit.

High levels of psychological well-being are also associated with regular physical activity.

Optimistic patients maintained healthier diets by consuming more fruits and vegetables and fewer processed meats and sweets, which led patients to maintain a healthier weight.

Other studies have found similar results for cancer, stroke, respiratory disease and infections.

Scientists suspect that this may be due to the fact that a person's general mood changes the levels of harmful and beneficial hormones in his body.

Being optimistic, for example, reduces stress and anxiety hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can be a burden to the heart and increase blood pressure.

Studies have also shown that less stressed people have lower cholesterol, are less prone to inflammation, have a better immune response and higher levels of antioxidants in the blood.

A strong support network also gives patients confidence and makes them more likely to act on medical advice, according to scientists.

Prof. Labarthe said, "It may seem difficult to help patients change their psychological well-being in the face of a new medical diagnosis, but these events may represent a 'learning moment'.

"The simple fact of having patient-centered discussions around sources of psychological well-being and information about specific activities to promote wellness is a modest but significant part of a patient's care."