Regular laughter can become a powerful stimulus for strengthening heart and vascular health. Its effect is comparable in effectiveness to moderate physical exercise. This conclusion was voiced by cardiologist Michael Miller, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
The specialist suggests including laughter in official healthy lifestyle recommendations alongside advice to exercise three to five times a week, writes Medical Xpress.
Physiologically, this effect is explained by the release of endorphins during laughter. These hormones stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure decreases, inflammatory processes are reduced, and cholesterol levels drop. Taken together, these factors significantly lower the risk of myocardial infarction.
The science of laughter, gelotology, has been actively developing since the mid-20th century. A number of studies confirm that laughter not only supports heart health but also strengthens the immune system by increasing the number of protective cells in the blood.
Importantly, even deliberate or “artificial” laughter has a positive effect, as it activates the same breathing patterns and muscle groups as spontaneous laughter. This means that laughter can be an accessible and effective practice for maintaining overall health and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter
Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter
month
week
day