Optimism Leads to a Healthier Heart

Optimism doesn't just lead to a better outlook on life, but possibly an improved one as well, as a new study finds it can lead to a healthier heart.

"Individuals with the highest levels of optimism have twice the odds of being in ideal cardiovascular health compared to their more pessimistic counterparts," lead author Rosalba Hernandez, at the University of Illinois, said in a statement. "This association remains significant, even after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and poor mental health."

In the study, published in the journal Health Behavior and Policy Review, researchers measured participants' (age 45-84) overall cardiovascular health scores by assigned each person 0, 1 or 2 points - representing poor, intermediate and ideal scores, respectively. The score took into account factors such as blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), diet, exercise and cholesterol levels. Participants' total health scores ranged from 0 to 14, with a higher total score indicative of better health.

According to the results, those who had the most optimistic outlook on life were 50 and 76 percent more likely to have total health scores in the intermediate or ideal ranges, respectively. In addition, these upbeat individuals were twice as likely to have ideal cardiovascular health, and 55 percent more likely to have a total health score in the intermediate range when characteristics like age, race and ethnicity were factored in.

Not to mention that they had better blood sugar and total cholesterol levels, and were more physically active and had better BMIs compared to their pessimistic peers.

"At the population level, even this moderate difference in cardiovascular health translates into a significant reduction in death rates," Hernandez said.

That's probably why a similar study found that a positive attitude is the key to longevity.

For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).