If the idea of a loyal, lifelong companion isn't enough of a reason for you to get a dog, then here's another compelling one: people who recently suffered from a major cardiovascular event (e.g. heart attacks, strokes, etc.) have a better chance of recovery and living longer if they own dogs.
Two new studies recently published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes show how dog ownership may be linked to better recovery outcomes and reduced risk of death for patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes.
The first study, published by researchers from Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, is entitled Dog Ownership and Survival After a Major Cardiovascular Event: A Register-Based Prospective Study. Studying over 300,000 Swedish patients aged 40 to 85 who recently suffered from a heart attack or ischemic stroke, it was found that the dog owners among them had a generally lower risk of death after hospitalization. Interestingly, dog owners also had a lower rate of recurrent heart attacks thirty days after hospitalization.
While recovering from major cardiovascular events like these are frequently very difficult, the companionship offered by dogs can help provide better chances for recovery. This is especially crucial to those without access to consistent human companionship, with dogs providing the needed psychosocial support for proper recovery. With dogs helping to reduce social isolation, this association effect was noticeably stronger for patients that lived alone compared to those who had caregivers.
Aside from emotional and social support, dog ownership also motivates patients to pursue a consistent physical activity, which is an important factor for overall recovery.
With a large sample size, this research verifies smaller studies' conclusions on the effect of dog ownership for patient recovery on a larger scale.
The second study, Dog Ownership and Survival: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis, was published by researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital in Canada. Reviewing several key studies that pooled over 3.8 million participants, they found that dog ownership reduced overall mortality risk over the long term by 24%, while cardiovascular mortality risk was reduced by 31%. They also observed a 65% risk reduction for the post-acute coronary syndrome.
Dog ownership reduced the risk of death over the long term, which the authors suspected was mainly due to reduced cardiovascular mortality. Through their review, they found that dog owners often exhibited generally lower blood pressure levels, improved lipid profiles, and better cardiovascular reactivity to stress compared to non-dog owners. Even the act of petting a dog was already enough to lower blood pressure.
Like the previous study, the authors also looked at regular physical activity from dog ownership, like walking or playing, as a key factor in reducing these mortality risks and helping support overall health.
Both studies provide a look at dog ownership as a possible lifestyle choice to help support those who suffered from major cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes. With so many benefits like greater recovery chances, reduced mortality risks, better emotional support, and improved cardiovascular health, bringing a furry friend into someone's life is nothing short of a blessing.
