Optimism Leads to Healthier Heart, Fewer Strokes

Being happy, upbeat, and optimistic can help protect you from heart attacks and strokes, according to new research from Harvard. Optimism has an especially powerful effect on the heart -- according to the study the most optimistic people have half the risk of suffering a heart attack as compared to the least optimistic.

People with "type A" personalities -- and anyone who is often anxious, depressed, angry, or pessimistic -- are at a much greater risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Chronic stress seems to be the primary factor. High stress levels may lead to elevated levels of certain "bad" hormones (like cortisol) which may damage the arteries and/or the heart muscle.

According to the Harvard researchers, having a better sense of well-being leads to a significant increase in several important health factors -- including weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Also, optimistic people are much more likely to exercise regularly, eat a healthier diet, get more sleep, not smoke, and drink less alcohol. Experts warn though that healthy lifestyle habits may lead to more feeling more optimistic and happy, not the other way around.

The bottom line: do your best to be optimistic and upbeat -- and don't stress out too much -- and you might protect your heart and brain!

Learn some mo': Optimism protects against heart attack and stroke, study shows