Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City examined the association between positive affect and cardiovascular events.
First, the details.
- 1739 adults with no history of heart disease were followed for over 10 years as part of the 1995 Nova Scotia Health Survey.
- They were rated according to the degree of outwardly displayed positive affect and depressive symptoms and other negative affects.
- Positive affect included pleasurable emotions such as joy, happiness, excitement, enthusiasm, and contentment.
And, the results.
- There were 145 acute heart disease events (heart attack, stroke, or blood clot) that involved insufficient blood flow (ischemia) to the heart, including 9 deaths.
- After adjusting for potentially confounding factors, increased positive affect was associated with a lower risk of having a cardiovascular event.
- Depressive symptoms were associated with a slightly higher risk of having an acute cardiovascular event.
- The presence of hostility and anxiety were not risk factors.
The bottom line?
There might be an association between being happy and a lower risk of cardiovascular events. But this study doesn’t prove a cause and effect.
Until there’s more research, don’t worry, be happy.
2/18/10 19:07 JR