Optimism and happiness protect heart from cardiovascular disease

"In the first ever systematic review of happiness and heart health, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston have found that a positive outlook on life can actually protect your heart from cardiovascular disease."

"Harvard researchers Julia Boehm and Laura Zubzansky discovered that certain psychological trait - optimism, positive emotions and a sense of meaning - offer measurable protection against heart attacks and strokes. These characteristics have been found to slow the progression of cardiovascular disease as well."

"Even if measured separately, optimism can play a major role in whether an individual will suffer from a heart attack or stroke."

Michelle Oznowicz, "The Sky's the Limit", Intelligent Optimist, Sept/Oct. 2012

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[verified 4/17/14]

#health #happiness #disease