Pet Ownership Linked With Adaptable Heart, Study Shows

A new study provides even more evidence that man's best friend is good for your health -- this time, the findings suggest heart-healthy benefits of pet ownership.

A new study in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that for people with chronic diseases, having a pet is linked with the heart's capability to adapt to any number of circumstances that can affect the body, such as a faster heartbeat during a stressful moment, Reuters reported.

The research included 191 people with a chronic condition like diabetes or high cholesterol, with a mean age of 69, whose heart rates were analyzed for a full day and night, according to the study. The participants were also broken up into groups depending on their pet-ownership status.

Reuters reported that the people who owned pets had heart rates that changed more than people who didn't own pets -- meaning the heart rates were more adaptable.

The finding falls into line with a number of other studies examining the effects of pet ownership on health. WebMD reported on a study in 2008 that showed cat owners had a lower risk of dying from a heart attack or other heart problems than people who've never owned a cat before.

That study, presented at a meeting of the American Stroke Association, showed that people who've never owned a cat before had a 40 percent increased risk of death from heart attack over a 20-year period, WebMD reported.

And just last year, researchers from Miami University and St. Louis University published a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showing that pets provide the same emotional benefits as human relationships.

For health lessons we should learn from pets, click through the slideshow:

Also on HuffPost:

Comments

[TeebagsKiLLingAMERICA]

10:43 PM on 02/18/2012

So, try this. Each day in the AM hold back your cats food just for a minute and encourage him or her to say " MOM ".
If they even try to mimic you, quickly give the food. Works with cat TREATS too.
Our 15 year old FRED learned in 3 weeks. 2 year old Kali learned in 10 days.
IT'S FUN & FUNNY TOO.

[Felicia Hunter]

12:51 AM on 02/18/2012

I feel bad for people that dont have pets or dont like animals because they truly are missing out!

[SHEWHOSHOPS]

01:29 AM on 02/17/2012

i have been the proud owner of guinea pigs for almost 32 years!! i have had alot of stress and heartaches on the homefront..if it were not for my pets i seriously do believe i would have packed it in...a long time ago!!..animals are wonderful..my husband and i do not have children..nor do we want any!!

[smpurselady1]

08:12 PM on 02/16/2012

Everyone around me complains about me having so many animals. I only have 7 cats and 5 dogs. Each and every one is very special to me. I lost my only child 4 yrs ago, my son. Thats when these precious companions came to me one by one in several special ways. I had one dog at that time but little by little a stray came to me like an angel from heaven and all have been wonderful. I have one little dog that when he sees me cry he comes to me very quietly sits beside me with his paw on my lap and gives me the most gentle kisses on my tear filled cheek. I almost think my son has sent him to me to give me comfort. If it hadn't been for these dear little pets I just could not have made it these past 4 years. They give me a reason for living another day. I am a senior and would rather be with my pets than with any human I know of. Not as much drama.

[psandysdad]

04:03 PM on 02/16/2012

The benefits of companionship, particularly to the elderly, from a pet should need no explanation. Those of us who are facing a lot of solitude can attest.

[Jennifer Kley]

01:22 PM on 02/16/2012

Dogs are supreme beings. Right now I can't decide between a medium sized one or a tiny one I can carry around in a doggy purse bag.

http://thecubiclerebel.wordpress.com/

[Felicia Hunter]

12:52 AM on 02/18/2012

hope you'll go to a shelter =D they know when you have rescued them, and they will truly love you forever bc of it

[Jennifer Kley]

02:06 PM on 02/20/2012

Gosh, you're making my heart tingly and salivation form. When I get into a living situation (soon) where I can have a dog, I surely will. In fact, I came across a PetSmart adoption this past weekend and stopped on the sidewalk to cuddle with several doggies.

:-))

[summer261987]

01:04 AM on 02/16/2012

with a bundle of joy on your lap, how come your heart doesn't feel it? :))

[puzzled500]

09:42 PM on 02/15/2012

We've got four cats and two dogs and high blood pressure. So what, they're endless fun and great companions.

[UDKM2010]

04:44 PM on 02/15/2012

I've got 2 big old goofy Great Danes. Endless hours of entertainment and joy.

[abhorson]

12:50 PM on 02/15/2012

I have never understood (scientifically or in any other way) why cleaning up dog poop and having dog (or cat) hair all over the house brings heart benefits...

[robin360]

01:40 PM on 02/15/2012

There is soooo much more to it than that.

[cvermeulen9]

12:58 PM on 02/16/2012

My little dog is happy to see me no matter what I have done. They forgive and forget the slights against them and they look at you with adoring eyes. They WANT to be with you and they will protect you too. Those are just a few of the things...but I guess the best one of all is Unconditional Love.

[abhorson]

01:03 PM on 02/16/2012

wait a sec.... I don't deny having a pet "can" be a great and fun experience, but, exactly HOW does that translate into a "healthy heart" ??

last I remember the heart is a pump, made of muscles with a bunch of electrical wiring and valves...

I can understand running or exercising, I can understand keeping your arteries from clogging up ... but, vacuuming up dog hair hardly seems like it can positively affect it...

[patianneb]

12:22 PM on 02/15/2012

Since we have 8 cats (6 rescues) according to this we should live forever! That said, however long we live, our lives are enriched beyond measure by these funny, loving unique little beings.

[dvncmdy]

12:18 PM on 02/15/2012

I have three horse, one donkey, one cat, four dogs and a bunch of fish......I would say, for the most part, I'm pretty happy

[olitenup]

09:59 AM on 02/15/2012

There have been many studies that support the results of this one.

Why physicians just don't tell their patients to go to the shelter and get a pet is beyond me. Instead they shove expensive, side effect riddled big pharma pills down our throats.

[tomteboda]

02:50 PM on 02/15/2012

I call my cat my "cheap antidepressant". Same goes now for my 14 week old puppy. Its impossible to be down with so much love!

[viviennes]

11:36 AM on 02/20/2012

Maybe because getting a pet to make yourself feel better is often a mistake. Many people don't realize the responsibility and cost of owning a pet. This is one reason there are so many animals in rescue shelters in the first place. Maybe pet therapy would be a better idea, mixed in with a bit of animal husbandry, so that when someone is ready to have an animal of their own, they know what is involved.

[crazybobmt]

02:30 AM on 02/15/2012

love my queensland blue heeler and two tuxedo sisters!!but like kiks they can be terrors..each is different..i'm very i;; and soon i hafta make arangements or their futures...bob s

[robertaruth]

09:18 PM on 02/14/2012

Better believe it. My 14 year old Norfolk Terrier went to Doggie Heaven two weeks ago, and ever since I've had headaches and palpitations. I continue with my daily walks in Central Park, and pet every dog I can get my hands on.

Time now for a new puppy. This time a rescue at the ASPCA.

[Marian Bailey]

10:24 PM on 02/14/2012

Sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. Been there. I wish you good luck with your next "best friend".

[cottere5]

11:38 PM on 02/14/2012

I am so sorry for your loss. I have three wienie dogs who have been rescued. I try to rescue the older ones, and try to keep three around, because that's a good number. By adopting the older ones , We tend to loose one about every 5 years or so. It does not get any easier, we burried our last one, Floyd under a lilac bush in Wyoming, and 1 year later, replaced him with a 10 year old, here in Texas. They finish up the rest of their lives with someone who loves them. So, get out there and find you a new best friend. Think about the older ladies and gentlemen, you won't regret it.