We're emotional beings.
How do our emotions affect the heart?

It's a topic that has been discussed and debated since the time of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle (400 BC).

And in spite of our vast body of knowledge, relatively little is understood about the impact of emotions on our health. However, some things have been proven or are accepted as fact based on empirical evidence.

What we know is that certain emotions do create a physiological response. If these emotions are negative and prolonged, then the resulting response in the body can be negative as well.

Some researchers believe this can lead to chronic conditions that include hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease, and heart attacks. Pretty serious stuff.

On the other hand, strong positive emotions do induce positive physical and emotional responses and that is thought by many to have significant health benefits.

Humor allows people to release fears, anger, and stress and to feel more in control of situations. So if these negative emotions can be dissipated it stands to reason that the body will be more healthy because of it.

We've created pages on three important topics for those living with heart disease: Anger and Heart Disease, Laughter and Heart, and Stress Management.

Explore the topics. We hope you will find the information contained in these pages useful and helpful in your own life or in helping your loved ones to cope.

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