Laughter Therapy Shown to Improve Heart Health in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
A groundbreaking study presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology has revealed the potential benefits of laughter therapy on the cardiovascular health of patients with coronary artery disease. The yet-to-be peer-reviewed research, conducted by a team of scientists including Marco Saffi from the Hospital de ClÃnicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil, demonstrated that laughter therapy can enhance the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, lungs, arteries, and veins.
Coronary artery disease is a prevalent condition worldwide, characterized by compromised blood, oxygen, and nutrient supply to the heart due to the struggle of the coronary arteries. Previous studies have explored various drug-free treatments for this disease, but laughter therapy had not been thoroughly assessed until now.
During the study, researchers evaluated the impact of laughter therapy on the functional capacity, tissue function, and markers of inflammation in the bodies of 26 adults with coronary artery disease, ranging in age from 64 on average. The trial lasted from August 2016 to December 2020.
The participants were divided into two groups: one undergoing laughter therapy and the other serving as the control group. Patients in the laughter therapy group were instructed to watch two self-selected TV comedy shows each week, while those in the control group watched neutral documentaries. The measurements taken included oxygen uptake, the widening of the main artery during increased blood flow, and levels of molecules indicative of inflammation.
The results of the study were groundbreaking. The laughter therapy group showed an increase in peak oxygen uptake and improvements in tissue function, as well as a decrease in markers of inflammation when compared to the control group. These findings align with previous research indicating that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which reduce stress, inflammation, and promote relaxation of the heart and blood vessels.
Experts at the world’s largest heart conference have hailed laughter therapy as a potentially effective form of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary artery disease. Laughter therapy can boost heart health by increasing the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system and improving tissue function while reducing inflammation. The study provides promising insight into the potential benefits of laughter therapy as a non-pharmaceutical treatment option for patients with coronary artery disease.
Although further research is needed to confirm these findings, laughter therapy offers a new avenue for improving the well-being and cardiovascular health of patients with coronary artery disease. As laughter is a natural and enjoyable activity, incorporating laughter therapy into existing rehabilitation programs could provide patients with additional support and enhance their overall quality of life.
