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Can Being Happy Make You Healthier? The Power of Being Content

By September 20, 2024Kahn Longevity Center
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 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 participants were followed was 12 years.
The well‐being 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 had 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 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. For example, practicing gratitude 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.

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