Be positive to reduce cardiovascular risk

People that have a positive outlook on life could be at a lower risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke and heart attack.

This is the finding of the largest and systematic review on the topic to date from Harvard School of Public Health.

While it has long been known that mental health issues increase cardiovascular threats, the impact of a sunny disposition on the heart had not previously been explicated.

Dr Julia Boehm, lead author of the study, commented: "The absence of the negative is not the same thing as the presence of the positive.

"We found that factors such as optimism, life satisfaction, and happiness are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease."

What's more, these findings were true no matter a person's age, socioeconomic background or lifestyle.

The study shows the benefits of not only being free of mental health complications but actively cultivating a positive attitude, indicating that people should take time promote affable thoughts.

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