You can lower your risks of a heart attack by exercising, eating a low-fat diet,
managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, and not smoking. New research says
you can now add being happy to that list.
Researchers at Columbia University rated the happiness levels of more than 1,700
adults in Canada who had no heart problems. After a decade, 145 people from that
group who had developed a heart problem were examined and found to be less happy
than those who had not developed heart problems.
The study, published in the European Heart Journal, found that happy people
were more likely to have a healthier lifestyle.
Stress is a significant factor linked to one’s happiness. Stress has been
known to release hormones that can damage heart muscles and cause plaque to build
up in blood vessels and clog arteries. Depression has also been identified as a
risk factor for heart problems.
So smile more, and your heart will thank you for it.