The research on nearly 100,000 women, published in the journal Circulation, found pessimists had higher blood pressure and cholesterol.The latest study by US investigators mirrors the findings of earlier work by a Dutch team showing optimism reduces heart risk in men. Even taking these risk factors into account, attitude alone altered risks.
Optimistic women had a 9% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause after more than eight years of follow-up.
In the study, the optimistic women exercised more and were leaner than pessimistic peers. In comparison, cynical women who harboured hostile thoughts about others or were generally mistrusting of others were 16% more likely to die over the same time-scale.One possibility is that optimists are better at coping with adversity, and might, for example take better care of themselves when they do fall ill.
The bottom line: “Making healthy choices such as not smoking and eating well, will have much more of an impact on your heart health than your outlook.”
How optimistic are you? Unsure? Want to learn about optimism? Take a look at Martin Seligman’s Books, “Learned Optimism” or “Flourish” for some tips. Optimism, good choices and exercise can make a difference. Why take a chance?
