How Joy, Laughter & Connections Enhance Heart Health

In a recent issue of the American College of Cardiology Magazine, my colleagues, Rupinder Bahniwal, MD, Tiffany Brazile, MD and I, reviewed how joy, laughter and connections contribute to good heart health. Large-scale studies reveal that people who cultivate a positive outlook experience fewer cardiac events, healthier blood pressure, and lower levels of stress hormones and inflammation. On the flip side, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can impair blood vessel function, raise arterial stiffness (a marker of unhealthy vascular aging), and fuel heart disease progression. In short, our emotional lives are deeply intertwined with our cardiovascular health, often through pathways as tangible as blood flow, inflammation, and hormone regulation.

The good news? We can actively foster joy and resilience. Strategies range from structured therapy and mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, to simple daily habits such as gratitude journaling, volunteering, and nurturing social connections. Our own research has shown that laughter itself has been shown to improve blood vessel function and reduce stress. Regular exercise, quality sleep, and acts of kindness amplify these effects, weaving together mental well-being with heart protection. Ultimately, cultivating joy isn’t just about happiness—it’s about building a stronger, healthier heart. By embracing a holistic approach to wellness, we can protect both our mood and our cardiovascular system, one smile, one laugh, and one connection at a time.

Michael MIller, MD is a behavioral cardiologist and best-selling author of “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease”, published by Penguin Random House.