Can Laughter Prevent Heart Disease?

The blood vessels that line your arteries are your front lines in determining the health of your arteries. When these blood vessels constrict too much your blood pressure rises and inflammation induces damage, setting the stage for plaque accumulation in your arteries. Laughter appears to be one powerful medicine for your arteries.

In reality your arteries are in a constant ebb and flow of constriction and relaxation (systolic vs. diastolic blood pressure). Under stress your blood vessels constrict so as to increase the force of blood flowing to your muscles so you can “fight or flee.” Laughing promotes a release of endorphins which relaxes your vascular system.

Too much stress too often leads to a tendency for constricted blood vessels and health problems. A new study shows that laughter promotes a 30% - 50% expansion of blood vessels, helping blood to flow easier.

“The endothelium is the first line in the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, so it is very possible that laughing on a regular basis may be useful to incorporate as part of an overall healthy lifestyle to prevent heart disease. In other words, eat your veggies, exercise and get a good belly laugh every day” says Dr. Michael Miller, Professor of Medicine and lead investigator.