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Valentine's Day: Good for the Heart

Love's protective effect against heart disease has been tested in several settings.

Researchers who kept track of Italian -merican immigrants in Roseto, Pennsylvania, found that people who maintained close family ties as in their homeland tended to have less incidence of heart disease compared with other American communities, even though they ate a high-fat diet.

"Gradually, over time, a certain percentage of these (Italian-American) families started to adopt more American ways—getting more interested in the fast life, fancy cars and country club memberships—and they started getting the same incidence of heart disease as people who had been in this country," says Justice.

A long-term study was also done on Japanese-Americans who moved to Hawaii and California, and the results were similar. Immigrants who adopted more American ways tended to have more incidence of heart disease compared with those who kept their traditional close family ties.

One theory explaining love's effect on physical health involves human nature. "It's instinctual to have this need for touching and talking," says Justice. He says the personal contact turns on a part of the nervous system, which has a calming effect and allows for a smaller amount stress chemicals in the body.

In addition, the human touch can lower blood pressure and illicit a sense of safety, connection and comfort, says Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, author of Women's Sexualities and a psychologist in private practice.

"People who do affirm their love for each other before going to sleep tend to sleep more deeply, in a more relaxed way, and they'll wake in the morning more refreshed, in a better mood and, therefore, they'll get along better," says Ellison.

Real life may not always be as simple, but experts do agree that having less stress is good for the health of the overall body, including the heart.


As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

SOURCES: Susan Moores, RD, spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association. Joe Vinson, professor of chemistry, University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Cynthia Sass, RD, spokeswoman, ADA. Holly Novak, MD, director, prevention and women's health, Prairie Cardiovascular, Springfield, Ill. Blair Justice, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology, University of Texas School of Public Health. Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, author, Women's Sexualities; psychologist, private practice. American Heart Association. American College of Cardiology.

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