Laughter is best cardio, improves heart health, new study finds

When it comes to heart health, the age-old adage that "laughter is the best medicine" appears to have gained some scientific traction.

A recent study has revealed a positive connection between laughter and cardiovascular well-being. Researchers have found that a hearty laugh can trigger the expansion of heart tissues and foster heightened oxygen circulation throughout the body.

This revelation holds particularly promising implications for patients grappling with coronary artery disease. The study, led by Professor Marco Saffi from Brazil's Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, claims that individuals undergoing a regimen of laughter therapy experienced a notable reduction in inflammation and an enhancement in overall health.

"Our study found that laughter therapy increased the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system," affirmed Prof. Saffi, the study's lead author.

The comprehensive findings were presented at the annual gathering of the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam, a platform for cardiovascular research and insights. The trial marked a significant milestone, as it sought to assess whether laughter therapy could ameliorate symptoms among patients afflicted by heart disease.

The study enrolled 26 adults, with an average age of 64, all diagnosed with coronary artery disease stemming from arterial plaque accumulation. Over a span of three months, half of the participants were assigned to watch two distinct hour-long comedy programs each week, encompassing popular sitcoms. Meanwhile, the other half engaged with two diverse documentaries of a more serious nature, covering topics like politics and the Amazon rainforest.

Upon the culmination of the 12-week investigation, the group exposed to comedies demonstrated an encouraging 10 per cent advancement in a pivotal examination gauging their heart's oxygen-pumping proficiency. Furthermore, this same group exhibited measurable progress in an assessment evaluating arterial flexibility.

In tandem with the physiological enhancements, blood tests were administered to gauge several inflammatory biomarkers. These biomarkers offer insights into the degree of plaque accumulation in blood vessels, as well as the potential risk of heart attack or stroke. The outcomes unveiled a significant decline in these inflammatory markers among the laughter therapy group compared to the control group.

Elaborating on the implications of these results, Prof. Saffi said: "When patients with coronary artery disease arrive at the hospital, they have a lot of inflammatory biomarkers. Inflammation is a significant component of atherosclerosis, the process of plaque buildup in the arteries. This study found that laughter therapy is a promising intervention that could potentially mitigate inflammation, subsequently reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke."

Beyond the physiological dynamics, the study underscores laughter's biochemical underpinnings. Laughter prompts the release of endorphins, compounds renowned for their inflammation-reducing qualities. Furthermore, it facilitates relaxation within the heart and blood vessels, while simultaneously diminishing stress hormone levels that could exert undue strain on the cardiovascular system.