Protect Your Heart With A Sense Of Meaning In Life

Some days, it might just seem like we're all a bunch of ants running around. Yet science shows us that having or believing that our life has a purpose can actually be good for our heart. 

New findings presented on March 6 at the American Heart Association's EPI/Lifestyle 2015 Scientific Sessions in Baltimore found that this could lower risk of heart disease and even stroke.

"Developing and refining your sense of purpose could protect your heart health and potentially save your life," said lead study author Randy Cohen, MD, a preventive cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai Roosevelt, in a news release. "Our study shows there is a strong relationship between having a sense of purpose in life and protection from dying or having a cardiovascular event. As part of our overall health, each of us needs to ask ourselves the critical question of 'do I have a sense of purpose in my life?' If not, you need to work toward the important goal of obtaining one for your overall well-being."

For the study, researchers reviewed 10 relevant studies that were based on more than 137,000 people who analyzed the impact of life meaning on death rates and the risk of cardiovascular events. The meta-analysis also found that those with a low sense of purpose are more likely to die or experience cardiovascular events.

From there, researchers conducted a new analysis that showed how a defined purpose in life with a sense of meaning and direction really did help this vital organ in the body, backing up previous findings.

The analysis showed that having a high sense of purpose was associated with a 23 percent reduction in death from all causes and a 19 percent reduced risk of heart attack, stroke and a need for coronary artery bypass surgery or a cardiac stenting procedure.

"Prior studies have linked a variety of psychosocial risk factors to heart disease, including negative factors such as anxiety and depression and positive factors such as optimism and social support," concluded Alan Rozanski, MD, study co-author and Director of Wellness and Prevention Programs for Mount Sinai Heart at the Mount Sinai Health System. "Based on our findings, future research should now further assess the importance of life purpose as a determinant of health and well-being and assess the impact of strategies designed to improve individuals' sense of life purpose."

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