Recent data from the Framingham Heart Study as reported by Best Life concluded that “people younger than 65 who exhibit symptoms of depression are four times more likely to have a stroke than those who are not depressed.”
Depression is opposite to having a positive outlook on life so this should not be surprising considering people who are genuinely positive have a lower mortality rate from all causes and time frames and they are more likely to recover from ailments.
Treating Depression - Preventing Stroke
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and is closely associated with heart disease and atherosclerosis thus depression should be taken very seriously. You can follow your doctor’s orders to fight it but you can supercharge the results by taking up an active lifestyle as exercise has been shown to be just as effective at treating depression as medicine is, plus the exercise will help your cardiovascular system at the same time decreasing the odds for stroke or heart attack. Good luck and remember: Stay positive!Source
Best Life, Apr ‘07
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