Irish study reveals: Your gratitude could save your heart

More and more evidence suggests that experiencing gratitude could help manage the cardiovascular system's response to stress, thus potentially reducing heart-related illnesses.

In a recent study published in "Biological Psychology", scientists investigated the relationship between gratitude and heart attacks. Their study involved 912 participants between the ages of 35 and 86, with an average age of 57.

The participants' cardiovascular health was assessed, and they were asked to rate their agreement with the statement, "I have many reasons to be grateful in life." They were also asked to rate how grateful they felt towards a large group of people. Each participant was tested twice, with an average interval of 6.7 years between tests.

Researchers from Maynooth University and the University of Limerick in Ireland analyzed the results and discovered a correlation between gratitude and pulse reactivity. In fact, the study showed participants with a higher tendency to appreciate life's positives were less likely to endure a heart attack over the next few years.

Positive psychological constructs, such as optimism, life purpose, and positive thinking, have long been regarded as potentially cost-effective ways to positively influence cardiovascular health.

"Our results provide even more evidence that positive emotions like gratitude are linked to better health outcomes, especially regarding the cardiovascular system," claims the study's co-author, Brian Leavy.