If you have a spiritual or religious belief, you are much less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
And having these beliefs is especially important if you’ve suffered from heart disease. People recovering from heart failure are more likely to suffer a sense of hopelessness and isolation—but having a belief in something bigger can help get them through those difficult times.
Researchers from Duke University Hospital reviewed 47 studies that had explored the level of spiritual beliefs in heart patients. Those who had spiritual beliefs had a better quality of life and reduced their chances of being readmitted to hospital.
Spirituality can help people find meaning and purpose in life, the researchers say, and it can be different from having a religious belief.
(Source: JACC: Heart Failure, 2022; doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2022.01.014)
