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Nature Medicine 14, 231 - 233 (2008)
Corrected online: 4 April 2008 | doi:10.1038/nm0308-231
A matter of the heart
Amy Coombs1
- Amy Coombs is a science writer and editor based in the San Francisco Bay area.
Abstract
Depression and negative emotions seem to worsen cardiac health, whereas a good laugh might improve blood vessel function. Clues from new experiments could help explain why and suggest better treatments for heart disease. Amy Coombs reports.
The way Hollywood tells it, heart attacks typically strike after fights with spouses or in the wake of sudden, shocking events. With fists clutched to the chest, the lead character struggles as emotion literally overwhelms the heart and stops it from beating.
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