Laughter Found to Improve Heart Disease Symptoms and Reduce Risk, Study Suggests
Laughter may be more than just a way to brighten our day – it could also have significant benefits for heart disease patients. According to new research conducted in Brazil, regularly indulging in a good laugh by watching comedy programmes twice a week can lead to improved symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Amsterdam, involved 26 adults with an average age of 64, all diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Half of the participants were asked to watch two different hour-long comedy programmes each week, while the other half watched serious documentaries.
After a three-month period, the group that watched comedy experienced a 10% improvement in their heart’s capacity to pump oxygen around the body, as measured by the VO2 max test. They also showed better results in flow-mediated dilation tests, which assess the ability of arteries to expand. Additionally, blood tests revealed significant reductions in inflammatory biomarkers, indicating a decrease in plaque build-up and a lower risk of heart attack or stroke.
Lead author Prof Marco Saffi from the Hospital de ClÃnicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil noted that laughter therapy could be a promising intervention to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular events. Laughter releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and promotes relaxation of the heart and blood vessels. These mechanisms could contribute to the observed benefits.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death, accounting for 160,000 fatalities in the UK annually. It occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become obstructed by fatty substances. Common symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath, and patients are at risk of heart failure. While medication and surgery are traditional treatment approaches, laughter therapy could be a simple yet effective addition to patient care.
While laughter therapy is already available in some areas through laughter yoga, the study’s findings raise the possibility of its wider availability within the National Health Service (NHS) in the future. Prof Saffi suggested that heart disease patients could be invited to comedy evenings or encouraged to engage in activities that make them laugh at least twice a week.
Although this study revealed a positive association between laughter and improved cardiovascular function, further research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects. Prof James Leiper from the British Heart Foundation emphasized the need for replication studies.
As laughter has the potential to improve symptoms and enhance overall well-being, integrating laughter therapy into heart disease treatment could be a game-changer for patients. By harnessing the power of laughter, we may find a simple and enjoyable way to boost heart health and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.
