Take a look at a post by Dr. Monique Tello from Harvard: ‘A Positive Mindset Can Help Your Heart’ by Dr. Monique Tello, MD MPH.
Here is a paraphrase from Dr. Tello’s Article: Can being positive protect against heart disease?
Yes!
There is a lot of evidence suggesting that having a positive outlook — like being optimistic, cheerful, having gratitude and purpose in life — can be heart-protective.
• ‘Positive Mindset’ people (optimistic) have a 30% lower risk of developing heart disease. • Other studies report similar findings: Happy people have a lower risk of death from heart attacks (38%) and strokes (39%). • In another study, people with positive mindsets had a significantly lower risks of having a heart attack, and these traits included optimism (38% lower risk), positive outlook (32%), and having a purpose in life (27%). • ‘Negative Mindset’ people have a 4 times higher incidence of MI or cardiac death.
Bottom line
Stay Positive! Keep thinking positive thoughts!
Avoid people who are always negative, cynical or skeptical.
Avoid situations which bring out the worst in yourself. For example, stop watching so much CNN, FOX, or MSNBC. Stay away from 'Review Sites' such as YELP. In my opinion, the internet and cable news seem to perpetuate negativity.
Minimize your stress! Stress can increase the likelihood for any form of heart disease by 64%!
Look for the humor in even bleak situations!
Remember my saying:
'if you're the type of person who writes negative online reviews about your cardiologist...it's the reason you need one!'
Stay Positive! Stay Healthy!
Gregg Yamada MD FACC
Disclaimer: I hope you find my medical blogs to be pertinent, interesting, thought provoking, and even humorous at times. The information provided is educational and should not be taken as medical advice. I am a doctor, but I am not your doctor. Please schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss these issues and to determine what is right for you.
© 2022. Gregg M. Yamada, MD FACC. All rights reserved.