Heart Medicine
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in western society, ahead of cancer. However, cancer tends to get more publicity.
There is pretty good public health information around for how to have a healthy heart. Physically, it involves regular exercise (such as a daily brisk walk). It’s pretty simple, but still many people do not do the bare minimum, for a variety of reasons.
Nutritionally, a Mediterranean style diet has been highly researched, involving plenty of fruit, vegetables, quality protein, with an emphasis on plant foods but also including small amounts of lower fat meat, seafood and dairy. I tend to recommend a diet that contains a wide range of unprocessed foods from both plants and animals but varying according to individual preference. There is also a lot of evidence for a low-fat, no oil whole food plant-based approach, to reverse cardiovascular disease, as well as T2 diabetes. Some people are more plant-based inclined, and others need some animal protein to feel satiated. But more plants is generally better.
However, heart health is much more than what we eat and how we move. Studies have shown it is very much negatively associated with strong emotions such as hostility, anger, depression and anxiety.
Stress is hugely associated with heart disease, and traumatic events such as the death of a loved one or divorce or financial crisis can precipitate heart attacks even in people who had no prior heart disease. Our physical heart is intrinsically entwined with our emotional state, and this needs to be deeply considered in any program looking at preventative health, heart health or longevity.
Type A personalities and those who are frequently angry are at measurably higher risk for heart issues. Chronic, long term hostility is a proven risk factor for heart disease.
Psychosocial factors such as our social connections, whether we are lonely or have regular contact with friends, whether we feel loved and connected or not, also have been shown to have a significant impact on cardiovascular health.
There is plenty of good evidence that shows that positive emotions, emotional intelligence programs that encourage better handling of stress and negative emotions, and being aware of and attuned to one’s emotional state, are all associated with better cardiovascular health.
Being able to forgive and move on, to release resentment, to cry, to love easily- have an “open heart”, and managing stress well are associated with better cardiovascular health.
These are skills we can learn- they don’t always come easily or naturally. But these skills are lifelong skills that improve not only our physical wellbeing but our whole quality of life.
