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Optimistic Women Face Lower Heart Disease Risk

Subjects less likely to die of any cause over set period

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 11, 2009 10:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – Women 50 and up who see the glass as half full have a lower risk of getting heart disease—or dying of any cause—than their half-empty peers, a study suggests. Researchers found that over 8 years, the most optimistic subjects in their 97,000-woman-strong study faced a 9% lower risk of heart disease and a 14% lower risk of death than the most pessimistic, Health.com reports.

Outlook was determined based on a survey that asked whether subjects agreed or disagreed with statements like “In unclear times, I usually expect the best.” Only those with the highest optimism scores showed a “survival advantage,” Health.com notes. “Nobody has a clear cut answer, but there’s a strong sense that attitude impacts physiology,” said an expert.

Women over 50 who keep looking up may have a lower risk of heart disease.
Women over 50 who keep looking up may have a lower risk of heart disease.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
kokuaguy
Aug 11, 2009 7:49 AM CDT
Reminds me of my Mom. She always looked on the bright side and emphasized the positive. In a way it shortened her life, because she believed the lies of the tobacco industry and allowed her nicotine addiction to keep her in its grasp until irreversible damage was done her lungs. Emphysema is a particularly agonizing way to go, for yourself and your familly. So look on the bright side and believe that you can conquer your addiction. Nicotine gum is a great way to start while you're figuring out the next steps to take. ; ^)

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