New research out of Brazil suggests a surprising potential tool in the fight against heart disease: comedy. A study conducted at the Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre found that regular exposure to humorous content may improve cardiovascular health in patients with coronary artery disease, offering a novel, non-invasive approach alongside conventional treatments. Researchers are optimistic about the findings,suggesting laughter therapy could one day become integrated into standard care for at-risk individuals.
Laughter may genuinely be the best medicine, according to a new study suggesting a link between a good chuckle and improved heart health. Researchers at the Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil found that watching comedy can expand tissue within the heart and increase blood flow throughout the body.
The study, involving 26 adults with an average age of 64 who had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, revealed that “laughter therapy increased the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system,” said Marco Saffi, the lead author of the study and a physician at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. This research adds to a growing body of evidence exploring the potential benefits of positive psychological interventions for physical health.
Coronary artery disease, the focus of the study, develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Researchers wanted to determine if laughter therapy could alleviate some of the symptoms experienced by those living with this condition.
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For three months, half of the participants were asked to watch two one-hour comedy programs each week, featuring popular comedic shows. The other half watched documentaries on more serious topics, such as politics or the Amazon rainforest.
At the end of the study period, the group that watched comedy showed a 10% improvement in a test measuring the amount of oxygen their heart could pump throughout the body. They also demonstrated improved arterial expansion and blood transport.
Researchers also analyzed blood samples to measure various inflammatory biomarkers, which indicate the amount of plaque buildup in blood vessels and a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke. The results showed a significant reduction in these inflammatory markers in the comedy-watching group compared to the other group.
“When patients with coronary artery disease arrive at the hospital, they present with many inflammatory biomarkers. Inflammation is a large part of the atherosclerosis process, when plaques accumulate in the arteries,” Saffi explained. “Laughter therapy could be implemented in institutions and health systems, such as the NHS, for patients at risk of heart problems.”
Saffi emphasized that the comedy programs don’t need to be limited to television. He suggested that patients could attend live comedy shows or simply spend time with friends and family, enjoying a good laugh together a few times a week. “People should try to do things that make them laugh at least twice a week,” he said.
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Despite the promising results, the researchers acknowledge that further investigation is needed to draw more definitive conclusions. However, Saffi is optimistic that laughter may one day help reduce reliance on medication.
The benefits of laughter stem from the release of endorphins, which reduce inflammation and help the heart and blood vessels relax, Saffi explained. Laughter also lowers levels of stress hormones, which can strain the heart.
