How Optimistic Is Your Heart?

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Having an optimistic outlook on life is good for your heart, according to a new study. Scientists looked at 5,100 adults between the ages of 45 and 84, asking them to complete surveys assessing their own mental health and level of optimism.

In addition, researchers looked at blood pressure, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol levels, physical activity, diet, and tobacco use — seven metrics used by the American Heart Association to assess cardiovascular health.

“Individuals with the highest levels of optimism have twice the odds of being in ideal cardiovascular health compared to their more pessimistic counterparts,” so says lead author Rosalba Hernandez. “This association remains significant, even after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and poor mental health.”

The more optimistic participants were 50 and 76 percent more likely to have intermediate and ideal cardiovascular test results compared to their pessimistic counterparts.  Overall, pessimistic people were found to have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Optimistic people are also much more likely to find ways to believe in love again… That’s from my own research!

Laura Lee Carter, MA Counseling Psychology, the writer behind the popular online blog How to Believe in Love Again, has been helping others turn midlife difficulties into opportunities for personal change since 2007. Besides working as a psychotherapist, Laura Lee has authored a number of books and e-books on midlife transformation.  Don’t miss her new book: Find Your Reason to Be Here: The Search for Meaning in Midlife. Follow her on Twitter: @midlifequeen.