According To A Study, Positive Thinkers Are Less Likely To Have A Heart Attack

Illustration of cheerful and positive thinking (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

JAKARTA – Heart attack is a cardiovascular disease. The risk will increase if you have bad habits, such as consuming unhealthy foods that can trigger hypertension.

Based on a study reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine, Tuesday, July 27, Lisa R. Yanek, MPH and colleagues found that positive-minded people are 13 percent less likely to have a heart attack or other coronary heart problems than negative-minded people.

Yanek and his team used survey measuring tools that determined 'positive' and 'negative' views. Survey measures assess a person's joy, energy level, anxiety level, and satisfaction with overall health and life.

“But you don't need a survey to assess your own positivity. I think people tend to know how they think,” Yanek said.

Although the mechanism of the link between health and positive thinking is still not clear. But the researchers suspect that people who are more positive may be better protected from the inflammatory damage caused by stress.

Another hypothesis is that people who think positively are more likely to make better decisions and focus on long-term goals. Another study also found that negative emotions that multiply can weaken the immune system.

Additional studies have also found that positive attitudes improve outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumors.

Yanek recommends several ways to direct thoughts and emotions in a more positive direction. Here's a list of expert recommendations:

Smile more

Yanek cites a study conducted by the University of Kansas. The study found that smiling—even fake smiles—can reduce heart rate and blood pressure during stressful conditions.

Accept and divert resentment into positive activities

Stuck in traffic or delayed flight schedules, while waiting can do positive activities. Accepting any condition, including the worst, can also relieve tension or even anger.

Build resilience

What makes a person able to survive when bad things hit is a capable support system, for example establishing intense communication with friends, relatives, and close family. But apart from having a support system, adaptability also has a big impact.

So, accept change as a part of life and take action rather than sitting idly waiting for a miracle.