A first-of-its-kind study presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam has shown that laughter really can be good medicine, especially for people with heart disease.
Research has found that laughter therapy can increase the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, lungs, arteries and veins.
Other researchers, including Dr. Marco Sefi of Hospital de Cliniques de Porto Alegre in Brazil, noted improved health symptoms and reduced inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease who underwent the ‘laughter therapy’ for the study. were
Researchers discovered that laughter therapy sessions can cause tissue in patients’ hearts to loosen, potentially increasing oxygen flow to the body.
Until now, various non-drug treatments have been studied in patients with coronary artery disease but the recovery benefits of ‘laughter therapy’ have not been fully assessed, scientists say.
The new study examined the effects of laughter therapy on the cardiovascular system, tissue function and inflammatory markers in the bodies of patients with coronary artery disease.
This medical problem, which is one of the most common diseases in the world, occurs when the coronary arteries of the heart are unable to make a path to deliver blood, oxygen and nutrients to the right places.
Scientists conducted a clinical trial from August 2016 to December 2020 involving 26 people with an average age of 64, measuring the amount of oxygen in their bodies and the size of their central arteries when blood flow increased. done
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The researchers also measured the levels of molecules in the patients’ bodies that indicate inflammation, such as interleukin six or ten, tumor necrosis factor alpha, vascular cell molecule and intercellular adhesion molecule.
Thirteen of the patients were assigned to a group that received laughter therapy by watching two TV comedy shows of their choice each week.
Another 13 people acted as a control group and watched ‘neutral documentaries’.
According to the researchers, this is the first controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of rehabilitation using laughter therapy on patients with coronary disease.
Overall, patients using laughter as a treatment noted improved oxygenation in the body, improved tissue function, and decreased inflammation throughout the body.
These new findings are consistent with previous research that suggested that a good laugh session releases endorphins, hormones that reduce stress and inflammation and help relax the heart and blood vessels. .
Based on new findings presented at the world’s largest heart conference, scientists say that laughter therapy may be an effective method of cardiac rehabilitation for patients.
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#Laughter #good #medicine #heart #disease #study #kind
10 health benefits of laughter
**Interview with Prof. Marco Saffi: The Heart Health Benefits of Laughter Therapy**
**Editor:** Welcome, Prof. Marco Saffi! Thank you for joining us to discuss your groundbreaking study on laughter therapy and its effects on heart health.
**Prof. Saffi:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share our findings.
**Editor:** Your study suggests that laughter therapy can significantly improve cardiovascular function. Can you explain how laughter might have such a profound impact on heart health?
**Prof. Saffi:** Certainly! Our research indicates that laughter therapy can enhance the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, lungs, arteries, and veins. When participants engaged in laughter therapy, we observed improvements in heart tissue function and increased oxygen flow throughout the body. It seems that laughter may help loosen tissue in the heart, which can contribute to better overall health.
**Editor:** That sounds remarkable! What specific benefits did you observe in the patients who participated in the laughter therapy sessions?
**Prof. Saffi:** In our clinical trial, we noted several positive effects, including improved symptoms of health issues and reduced inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease. Participants reported experiencing less discomfort and a significant reduction in inflammatory markers in their bodies. This combination of effects can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from heart disease.
**Editor:** Your study was a first-of-its-kind in this area. What prompted you and your team to explore laughter as a therapeutic approach for heart disease?
**Prof. Saffi:** While various non-drug treatments have been explored for coronary artery disease, laughter therapy had not been fully assessed until now. We were looking for complementary therapies that could enhance traditional treatments for heart disease, and laughter seemed like a promising area to investigate due to its social and emotional benefits.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating. How did you conduct the study, and what were your main findings?
**Prof. Saffi:** We conducted a clinical trial involving 26 participants with an average age of 64 from August 2016 to December 2020. We measured oxygen levels and the size of the central arteries before and after the laughter therapy sessions. The data showed noteworthy improvements in blood flow and oxygenation after participants engaged in laughter exercises, indicating enhanced cardiovascular function.
**Editor:** This is certainly an exciting area of research. How do you envision laughter therapy being integrated into patient care for those with heart conditions moving forward?
**Prof. Saffi:** I believe laughter therapy could be a complementary approach alongside traditional treatments for heart disease. Hospitals could consider incorporating laughter sessions into rehabilitation programs, promoting both mental and physical health. It’s a simple, enjoyable method that could make a real difference in patient outcomes.
**Editor:** Thank you, Prof. Saffi, for sharing your insights on this enlightening study. It’s inspiring to learn how something as simple as laughter can contribute to heart health!
**Prof. Saffi:** Thank you! I hope our findings encourage more people to see the value in laughter and its potential benefits for overall health.
