Staying hopeful could significantly reduce risk of heart attacks
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‘Staying hopeful is helpful’: How positivity can help reduce risk of stroke
- A study suggests that a positive mindset can significantly lower the risk of future health problems after a stroke or heart disease diagnosis.
- The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), analysed data from 12 previous studies involving 5,540 patients with conditions like coronary heart disease and stroke.
- Hopelessness was associated with a six-fold higher death risk from heart disease in men with pre-existing heart conditions, while higher hope in women was protective against angina.
- Higher hope was linked to a lower risk of post-stroke fatigue, lower depression and anxiety levels, enhanced resilience, and improved quality of life.
- Dr. Alexander Montasem and Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan suggest that mental health support and staying hopeful can be beneficial for people with heart problems, potentially improving treatment adherence and overall wellbeing.