The Rolling Stones sang the phrase “I can’t get no satisfaction” and many of us still rock to their music. However, with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remaining a leading global health concern, does “satisfaction” have anything to do with heart disease and outcomes? The role of well‐being in reducing CVD risk has been taught by leaders in lifestyle medicine like Dean Ornish, MD, and a new study highlights the importance of having some satisfaction.
STUDY
This study was a cohort analysis using the UK Biobank data set. For this study, researchers were looking for an association between happiness (satisfaction) and cardiovascular diseases, specifically stroke, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
From the UK Biobank, they pulled information on 121,317 people with an average age of 57, 55% of them women, who met the criteria they were looking for, which included facets of well-being and no pre-existing conditions at baseline. The average length of time that the participants were followed was 12 years.
The well‐being (satisfaction) of participants was measured using a well‐being index derived from baseline questionnaires. Researchers considered six key facets of well-being, including general happiness and satisfaction with family, friendships, health, finances, and job situations. Participants scored their responses as “extremely happy,” “very happy,” “moderately happy,” “moderately unhappy,” “very unhappy” or “extremely unhappy” for each question regarding these life areas.
Scores from participants’ responses were compiled based on the Well-Being Index, a validated measure of subjective well-being.
The relationship between well‐being and 4 major CVDs was analyzed along with inflammatory markers.
RESULTS
Higher well‐being was associated with a significantly reduced risk of various CVDs.
Higher well-being (satisfaction) was associated with people who:
- Didn’t smoke
- Didn’t consume alcohol
- Regularly exercised
- Ate healthy
- Spent less time watching TV
- Got the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night
Compared to adults with a low sense of well-being, the overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease was 10% to 21% lower for people with the highest well-being scores.
Compared to adults with a low sense of well-being, people with the highest well-being scores had a 44% lower risk of coronary artery disease, 45% lower risk of stroke, 51% lower risk of heart failure, and 56% lower risk of heart attack.
Participants with greater well‐being demonstrated healthier behaviors and lower levels of inflammatory markers.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a robust relationship between higher scores of well‐being and lower risks of CVDs, suggesting that enhancing well‐being may be a viable strategy for CVD prevention.
The role of lifestyle factors and inflammation as a mediator provides insight into possible biological pathways linking psychological states and cardiovascular health.
It’s imperative to start changing habits now to help prevent illness later. This includes staying on top of stressors, getting plenty of quality sleep, having strong social and relationship connections, moving your body often and incorporating heart-healthy foods.
Besides these habits, other ones have also been associated with happiness and satisfaction. For example, practicing gratitude or mindfulness has been linked to an increase in happiness and better health. Staying hydrated may help you feel happier and more productive. And if you need a quick attitude adjustment and happiness boost, step outside. There is evidence that time in nature results in happiness—even more so if you’re moving your body outdoors.
About the author: Dr. Joel Kahn is one of the world’s top cardiologists and he is passionate about scientifically showing the body’s ability to heal itself through proper nutrition. He is on a mission to try to prevent all future heart attacks by educating and inspiring people to follow an active and holistic lifestyle by applying cutting edge science to their lives.
At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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