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 Optimism and Cardiovascular Health
A strong predictor of emotional and physical well-being is having an optimistic outlook on life. A recently published study on 545 men in the Netherlands followed for 15 years shows that having a hopeful attitude has a positive benefit on cardiovascular health. The subjects were all in good health with no signs of cardiovascular disease. They were all measured for risk of cardiovascular disease by using typical measurements that included depression; in addition, optimism (defined in terms of having a general positive expectation for one’s future) was measured. At the end of the 15-year time period, 187 people died of cardiovascular disease (CVD). After adjusting for other variables, the researchers found that the men who scored in the top 1/3 on optimism had a 55% lower risk of CVD compared to men who scored in the bottom 1/3 on optimism. When physical activity level was added to the adjustment, the risk benefit of optimism dropped from a 55% reduction in CVD risk to a 43% reduction. This indicates that physical activity can likely increase one’s optimistic outlook on life. The researchers concluded that a low subjectively perceived level of optimism should be added to the list of independent risk markers for cardiovascular mortality.
Having an optimistic, hopeful outlook on life appears to be important for both good mental and physical health. People find what they are looking for. Individuals who tend to be pessimistic, or look for the negative in life find it. Likewise, those who are hopeful and optimistic about the future seem to also find what they are looking for. Psychosomatic medicine has clearly shown that our thoughts and attitudes can affect our physiology positively or negatively. Developing a hopeful, optimistic outlook on life may cut the risk of a heart attack or stroke and help individuals live a longer, happier life.
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