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Developments in heart disease, heart-healthy living & treatment New & Noteworthy
Positive Thinking & Your Heart Health Don’t underestimate the power of positive thinking, according to a Journal of the American College of Cardiology health promotion series that highlights the role of optimism, happiness and having a purpose in life in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Many studies have linked poor mental health and depression to an increased risk of heart disease. The September 18, 2018, article focused specifically on the power of having a positive outlook and its impact on heart health. The authors note a growing body of evidence suggests optimism is associated with better heart health and a lower risk of heart disease. In fact, a 2017 study of 70,021 older women found that those with the highest levels of optimism had a 38-percent lower risk of death from heart disease and a 39-percent lower risk of stroke-related death after eight years than those with a negative attitude.
Optimism — defined as feeling hopeful and confident about the future — is typically measured in studies using standardized surveys that ask participants about their attitudes and feelings.
The authors point out that multiple studies have looked at the impact of having a sense of purpose in life, in addition to having a sense of optimism. An analysis that pooled data from ten studies found individuals reporting a sense of purpose had a 17-percent lower risk for heart events such as a heart attack and a stroke than those who felt no sense of purpose. A separate study, which performed autopsies on older adults, also found that individuals reporting a higher purpose
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in life were less likely to show evidence of a stroke than those reporting no sense of purpose.
According to the authors, there are three potential explanations for this association. First, it’s possible that positive thinking directly impacts the way the body works, promoting heart health. A second explanation is that optimism is linked to healthy behaviors such as eating healthily and staying active, which, in turn, improve health. Finally, it’s also possible that optimism works through social relationships and other factors that help protect against the negative effects of stress.
Authors encourage future research to better understand how mental well-being impacts future health. They favor better screening and support to promote positive thinking and better heart health.
In the article, the authors include questions healthcare providers can ask their patients to assess psychological well- being. They address optimism, life satisfaction, gratitude and the idea of leveraging personal strengths.
Examples include asking about patients’ greatest strengths and skills and encouraging use of these skills in taking care of their own health.
Providers should also reassure patients, and refer them to community resources that promote engagement and motivation — such as walking groups, mind-body meditation programs and volunteer organizations.
Experts hope these steps help raise awareness of the importance of mental well-being and help patients improve their mental and physical health.
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