LAUGHTER LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

Spring 2008

 

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition. Left untreated it is associated with serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. There are a variety of causes that are associated with hypertension and one of them is stress.

 

The stress cycle goes like this. A stress reaction (internal or external) triggers off a neuroendocrine hormone response. One of the stress hormones, cortisol, is released from the adrenal gland in response to a ‘fight or flight’ response. Cortisol acts on the muscle wall of blood vessels making them contract. At the same time cortisol has a direct effect on the heart, making it beat harder and faster. Hence blood pressure rises.

 

Laughter. Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones, not only during the time of laughter but also for some time after. Laughter also works the muscles, leading to an initial rise in blood pressure followed by a more sustained drop. Blood vessels dilate and an increased amount of oxygen enters the circulation due to deeper breathing. The ‘heartier’ the laugh, the better – laughing 15-20 minutes a day is good for heart health.

 

Create laughter opportunities in your busy life

• Look for opportunities to introduce humour

• Watch comedy DVDs and shows

• Go to comedy clubs…or form your own

• Listen to comedy and laugh whilst driving

• Spend less time with overly serious people

• Spend more time playing

• Connect with funny people

• Visit toy and magic shops

• When all else fails, don’t take yourself too seriously just take the opportunity to laugh at yourself and enjoy

• Tell your doctor you’re laughing more these days.

Dr Peter Spitzer, Medical Director