Over the years, a huge body of scientific
research has shown that, by and large, pet owners are happier and healthier
than folks who do not share their homes with furry companions. And now, after
examining scads of studies, the American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a
statement saying that owning a pet can reduce your danger of cardiovascular
disease and improve your odds of surviving a heart attack. There are four
reasons:
1.
Increased movement. Dog owners who walk and play with
their pets are 54 percent more likely to get the level of physical activity
recommended for good heart health. But having a cat in the household also
demands that you get up off the couch and move your body around — and every step
helps.
2.
Lowered key numbers. Owning a pet, whether canine or
feline, has been directly linked to lower blood pressure and LDL (bad)
cholesterol levels, and a lower likelihood of obesity — thereby mitigating three
of the major risk factors for heart disease.
3.
Reduced stress. Research shows that simply looking at
a beloved pet calms you down in two ways: Your body releases a powerful
feel-good chemical called oxytocin and, at the same time, decreases its output
of the stress hormone cortisol.
4.
Social interaction. This is an especially important
factor if you live alone because study after study has found that interacting
with animals (just as with people) leads to better health — including a stronger
heart — and a longer life. Plus, when you have a dog, in addition to benefiting
from his companionship at home, you get daily opportunities to boost your
social time by taking Fido out to mix and mingle with human neighbors and
passersby.
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