Gaby
Laughter has long been called the best medicine. Brazilian researchers ran a study to see whether laughter therapy could improve cardiovascular symptoms and be beneficial for health. They found that laughter can indeed ease symptoms of heart disease.
Humor Extends Life
The study involved 26 adults, with an average age of 64, all diagnosed with ischemic heart disease. Half of the participants watched comedy shows weekly for three months, while the others viewed serious documentaries.
In the “humorous” group, researchers observed a 10% improvement in the amount of oxygen the participants’ hearts could pump through their bodies. Additionally, these participants showed improved arterial flexibility. There was also a significant reduction in inflammatory biomarkers, which indicate the buildup of plaques in blood vessels and the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Laughter is Good for the Heart
The study’s lead author, Professor Marco Saffi, told the Daily Mail that laughter therapy helped reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. He believes it would be beneficial to implement this therapy in healthcare facilities for patients at risk of heart problems.
Experts say laughter releases endorphins, which reduce inflammation and help the heart and blood vessels relax. Laughter also lowers levels of stress hormones that put strain on the heart.
