Purposeful Protection

A number of previous studies link mental health with physical heath, with anxiety, depression, and anger suggested as psychological factors in heart disease. Randy Cohen, from Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, USA), and colleagues reviewed 10 relevant studies involving data collected on over 137,000 people, to ascertain the impact of sense of purpose on death rates and risk of cardiovascular events.  The researchers observed that people having a high sense purpose were at lower risks of heart disease and stroke.  As well, the data suggested that those with a low sense of purpose are more likely to die or experience cardiovascular events.  The lead author comments that: "Developing and refining your sense of purpose could protect your heart health and potentially save your life."