Being hopeful could prevent heart attacks

Telegraph

2 days ago

Heart patients who give up hope are six times more likely to die than people who keep an upbeat outlook about their future, new research shows.
Boosting emotional wellbeing could improve survival rates, according to experts at the British Heart Foundation who found the power of positive thinking has a protective effect on health.
Researchers reviewed 12 studies involving 5,540 patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart valve problems in new research presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference in Manchester.
Meanwhile, having less hope was associated with an increased risk of a first heart attack in people with no previous history of chest pain, even after taking into account other risk factors like age, perceived health status, depression and socioeconomic risk factors.
In men with pre-existing heart problems, hopelessness was linked to a six-fold higher risk of death.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the foundation, said: 'This research is a good reminder of how staying hopeful wherever possible can be helpful when it comes to living with cardiovascular disease.
'It could be an important self-prescription for maintaining your wellbeing and quality of life, alongside your current medical care.'
The review also showed that more hope was linked to reduced cardiovascular symptoms like chest pain and post-stroke fatigue.
The authors are now hoping to conduct research to find out whether it is possible to boost patients' hope, for example by introducing specialist therapy, or chaplaincy support while in hospital, in case this could help improve health and lower death rates in this at-risk group.
Dr Alexander Montasem, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Liverpool and author on the study, said: 'For many people, living with cardiovascular disease can be a difficult experience.
'Patients often struggle with debilitating symptoms as well as anxiety about the future. This study aimed to reveal more about how people's outlook on their situation can influence their health.
'Our systematic review suggests that hopelessness could increase people's risk of death, but also their symptoms and how well they stick to treatment plans. Mental health support could be very beneficial for a wide range of people with heart problems.'
One study reviewed by the team found that higher levels of hope protected women against experiencing angina – pain or discomfort in the chest often caused by coronary heart disease.
And in research on stroke patients of both sexes, greater hope was strongly linked to reduced levels of post-stroke fatigue.
Six studies included psychological data, which showed that more hope was linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety, and improved resilience and quality of life.
Those with higher hope scores may have had a reduced risk because they also showed greater levels of self-care and were less likely to skip taking their medications, the data showed.
Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'The review showed that people with hope followed their treatment plans more closely, and it's important to remember that the best thing you can do for your health is to follow the advice recommended by your doctor.
'Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing is important for people living with cardiovascular disease, and if anyone is struggling, they should speak to their medical team.'