Emotional Rescue: The Heart-Brain Connection
Listed below is an excerpt from an article I wrote in the current issue of Cerebrum, published by the Dana Foundation on ways to reduce day-to-day stress and live a longer, healthier life. If you want to read the entire piece, click here.
A special thanks to Bill Glovin for excellent editing and guidance in composing this piece.
Does counteracting negative stressors reduce cardiovascular risk? While no clinical outcome trials have been conducted to date, adoption of lifestyle strategies aimed at improving positive emotions seems to improve biomarkers of cardiovascular health, such as inflammation, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function. In my cardiology practice and as elaborated upon below, I recommend that my patients employ these five strategies to reduce day-to-day stressors:
1. Meditation (serotonin activated relaxation practices)
2. Yoga (GABA induced mood stabilization)
3. Laughter (endorphin mediated visual effects)
4. Music (dopamine regulated auditory effects)
5. Massages, hugging (oxytocin activated tactile responses)
Michael Miller, MD is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland and author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” published by Penguin Random House.
Michael Miller, MD
MASPC, FACC, FAHA, FNLA
Dr. Miller is a leading cardiologist and heart health expert whose pioneering research on positive emotions, diet, and physical activity supports the integration of all three modalities for optimal vascular health.