Image © Kositskaya Olga | Getty Images
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) stand as the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, so finding ways to lower risk is essential. A team of researchers found that greater feelings of well-being are associated with lower risk for CVD.
The researchers analyzed data from surveys of over 121,000 adults in the United Kingdom. They looked at general happiness and satisfaction with family, friendships, health, and financial situations. Reported levels of well-being in these areas were then compared to incidence of four major CVDs: coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Higher well-being was associated with significantly lower risk of all these conditions.
Participants with greater well-being also had healthier lifestyles behaviors. They were less likely to smoke, spent less time watching television, got more sleep, and were less likely to have a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range. They also had lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood.
This study suggests mental health interventions could play a role in reducing risk for cardiovascular disease.