Previous research has found an association between negative emotions, chronic stress, and social factors and heart problems. Mindsets, however, are potentially modifiable, and less is known about the association between negative and positive mindset and cardiovascular events.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis (study of studies) looking at the association between optimism and pessimism and heart disease. They found 15 studies which met their inclusion criteria. The 14 prospective studies and 1 retrospective study were published between 2001 and 2017 and had an average follow-up of 14 years. The studies pooled data from 209,436 participants, and looked at various cardiovascular events including coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks, as well as all-cause mortality.
Of the 10 studies that looked at cardiovascular events, the authors found that compared with pessimists, optimists had a 35% lower risk for heart problems. Of the 9 studies that looked at mortality, optimistic participants had a 14% lower risk of premature death.
In a related article in the New York Times, Dr. Alan Rozanski, the lead author stated that:
It seems optimists have better health behaviors…They’re more likely to exercise and to have better diet. And there is evidence of direct biological effects — they have less inflammation and fewer metabolic abnormalities.
In a second related article in the Guardian, Dr. Rozanski suggested that:
…it would be valid to look at other mindsets – gratitude, sense of life purpose – or, on the negative side, what does a strong sense of regret or resentment do to people? We in medicine need to start to look at the importance of mindsets and its intimate relationship to health.
Rozanski, Alan, et al. Association of Optimism With Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open 2.9 (2019): e1912200-e1912200.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.
