What do Rover, Fluffy, or Bubbles have to do with your heart health?

Apparently a lot!

When Sandra Thornton was recovering after multiple bouts in the hospital with heart problems, she was advised to get a dog.

Her benefits case manager felt it would help ensure that she would get out walking every day and prevent her from sliding back into her workaholic tendencies.

“You can’t stay late at work when your canine friend has an urgent appointment with a fire hydrant!” laughs Sandra.

Pets are known to have an extremely beneficial effect on a number of physiological and psychological factors that lead to better health.

Several studies have shown that pet owners have lower cholesterol and blood pressure than non-pet owners.

These two factors alone can account for a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease.

A study conducted at the State University of New York in the late 90s focused on 48 stock brokers who were taking medication for high blood pressure. Those who got a pet reduced their stress-induced increases in blood pressure by half.

The study also showed that pets were the best support when it came to stressful tests — more so than spouses!

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology in 1995 found that dog ownership in particular increased the likelihood of surviving after a heart attack.

A 1980 study by Friedmann, Katcher, Lynch and Thomas on animal companions and one-year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit showed that pet owners have a higher one-year survival rate following heart disease.

Of the patients in the study who did not own pets, 28 percent died whereas only 6 percent of the pet owners died within one year.

According to a study released in 2008 at the American Stroke Association’s (ASA) International Stroke Conference, people who never had a pet cat were 40 percent more likely to die of a heart attack over the 20-year study period than cat owners.

The findings emerged from an analysis of data on nearly 4,500 men and women, ages 30 to 75, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study.

All were free of cardiovascular disease when they entered the study in the 1970s.

Caring for a pet can also reduce stress levels, fight depression, and lower triglyceride levels – all risk factors for heart disease.

The reasons for these benefits are not fully understood. Part of it may be that pets offer unconditional love and acceptance.

It’s hard to stay angry, grumpy, or sad when faced with absolute love! A pet can be your confidant, but never talks back or gives unsolicited advice.

If you have a dog, it needs exercise – and regular walking is one of the best things you can do for your heart.

Just 30 minutes a day of brisk walking can reduce heart disease risk, possibly by as much as 30 to 40 percent.

You’re far more likely to get out for that walk, even when you’re tired or the weather is inclement, if there is an anxious and expectant pet waiting by the door.

According to a study published in a 2006 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, dog owners living in urban areas generally walk almost two times more than their neighbors without dogs.

Another benefit is socialization. Sandra notes that she and her husband stop and talk to just about every person they encounter when they are out walking their dog.

So, the next question is “what kind of pet?”

Dog or cat? What’s your preference? There are benefits for any type of pet ownership.

A pet will have the same calming effect and impact on blood pressure, regardless of species or breed.

If you live where pets are not allowed, one option is an aquarium.

Watching fish swim about the tank can have a similar relaxing and soothing effect as meditation. The calming effects can also help lower blood pressure and stress levels.

In spite of the many health benefits of owning a pet, the most important consideration prior to getting one is not your own health benefit — it’s your readiness to take on the responsibility of an animal.

Obviously you need to have the space and the ability to make a long term commitment to its care and exercise.

But once these considerations are settled, if a pet is in your future, you can look forward to some well-established health benefits for years to come.