Happy thoughts can lower blood pressure

There could be a simple solution to lowering your blood pressure. Read this article for more information on this research.

"The prescription to lower your blood pressure may be as simple as this: Don't worry. Be happy.A study by University of Texas Medical Branch faculty members links positive emotions to lower blood pressure. Dr. Glenn Ostir of UTMB said patients were asked questions about their happiness and optimism levels at the same time their blood pressure was taken. "Those who were happier seemed to have lower blood pressure," he said. "Positive emotions tend to be associated with a reduced risk of heart attack or stroke." While the study focused on 2,500 Mexican Americans 65 and older, Ostir said he has no reason to believe this treatment wouldn't work for other ethnic groups as well.If you can control your emotional well-being and lower your blood pressure, the theory is you could prevent a heart attack or stroke.While Ostir stops short of saying happy people don't have heart attacks or strokes, he did say positive emotions tend to be associated with a reduced risk of these diseases.The study also found that targeting the emotional health of older adults might be used as part of non-medication treatment, saving elderly patients money on prescriptions.The Bright SideFaith Casanova of Galveston is disabled and has other ailments to deal with, but she tries to look on the bright side of life.The 72-year-old Jehovah's Witness said she spends her time thinking about the good things and the positive teachings of her religion. "I focus on the resurrection, hope, future and paradise here on earth," she said."
Source: http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=0fe011b36864d8e5&