Study: Happy Mind Equals Healthier Heart

A new study says your outlook actually could affect your heart.

ByABC News
January 8, 2009, 12:26 AM

March 13, 2008 — -- Conventional wisdom and old wives' tales tout the benefits of a positive attitude, but now Duke University researchers believe a cheerier outlook on life actually may help save lives.

Their study indicated that the difference between optimism and pessimism can affect a person's heart, giving more credence to the mind-body connection.

"This study shows that heart patients who are more optimistic in their outlook are 30-50 percent less likely to die over the nine years following their diagnosis," said Dr. Redford Williams, of Duke University Medical Center.

Researchers used a questionnaire to determine how positive participants were about overcoming their heart disease. Patients marked how strongly they agreed or disagreed with statements like "I am optimistic about my future and returning to a normal lifestyle" and "My heart condition will have little or no effect on my ability to do work. "

Researchers suggested optimistic patients may survive longer because they adopt healthier lifestyles, and take their medications as directed. They also are less likely to feel stress, which can damage blood vessels.

While the results may be great for the optimistic set, those who are less hopeful aren't doomed.

"It isn't hard-wired. You can learn to change the way you think," said University of Pennsylvania professor Karen Reivich, who teaches people to have a more positive outlook.

She said the key to a more cheerful viewpoint is identifying negative thoughts and changing the whole thought pattern.

"You have to ask, 'Where do I have control?' And by practicing naming the aspects of the situation you have control over, your thinking becomes more optimistic," Reivich said.

It can take at least 12 weeks of attitude drills before pessimists can begin thinking more positively, according to researchers. The result, they say, may not just be a happier outlook, but a healthier heart.

Imaeyen Ibanga contributed to this report.