Summary
According to a study by the American Heart Association (AHA), people who own pets have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, if they have no preexisting condition. One reason may be the added exercise. Dog owners must walk their dogs, and the added activity reduces stress, lowers cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure. All of these are contributing factors to heart disease. Another possible reason for the benefit owning a pet may have on your health is the comfort and companionship. The presence and company of a cat or dog lowers anxiety and stress hormones (such as epinephrine), as well as lowering blood pressure. More research will be needed to determine the effects of pets on people who are already suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Relevance
This article concerns cardiovascular disease, which we covered while studying the circulatory system. We learned that risk factors included stress, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, among other things. This article explains how these factors can be reduced by owning a pet.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2013/05/11/pet-owners-may-have-lower-risk-for-heart-disease/
Posted: 5/11/13
Author: Robert Glatter, MD
Does this mainly benefit people with dogs as pets? (Was this study built around people who have dogs?)
ReplyDeleteI believe that the emotional and stress-reducing benefits that lead to better cardiovascular health can be obtained from cats or other pets as well as dogs, but the exercise benefits are probably just related to dogs, because I don't know anyone who walks any other animal. The study did not exactly state what pets were being included, but cats and dogs were mentioned.
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