Owning a Pet Could be Just What Your Heart Needs

By James H. O’Keefe, M.D.
Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants

Recently, the American Heart Association published a new statement online in the association’s journal, Circulation, that confirmed owning a pet might lower your risk for heart disease.  Specifically, the research showed that:

• Pet ownership is probably associated with a reduction in heart disease risk factors and increased survival among patients. But the studies aren’t definitive and do not necessarily prove that owning a pet directly causes a reduction in heart disease risk. It may be simply that healthier people are the ones that have pets, not that having a pet actually leads to or causes a reduction in cardiovascular risk.
• Dog ownership in particular may help reduce cardiovascular risk. People with dogs may engage in more physical activity because they walk them. In a study of more than 5,200 adults, dog owners engaged in more walking and physical activity than non-dog owners, and were 54 percent more likely to get the recommended level of physical activity. 
• Owning pets may be associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a lower incidence of obesity.
• Pets can have a positive effect on the body’s reactions to stress.

In essence, data suggest that there probably is an association between pet ownership and decreased cardiovascular risk. What’s less clear is whether the act of adopting or acquiring a pet could lead to a reduction in cardiovascular risk in those with pre-existing disease. The Circulation article concluded by stating that further research, including better quality studies, is needed to more definitively answer this question.

While I am a physician and a scientist too, let me share with you what I’ve observed in caring for thousands of patients over the years.  Owning a pet does your heart good—no question. I’m such a strong believer in the benefits of dog ownership that I regularly write an actual prescription for some of my patients that says: “Rx—One dog to be taken for a walk at least two times daily. Refill as needed. Substitution permitted.”

It’s also true that dog owners often are more physically active than non-dog owners. They have to be. Their canine companions plead with them to get up off the couch and go outside every few hours, if for nothing more than a brief bathroom break. The chance to take a walk outside, and perhaps play fetch or Frisbee with your dog, is often just what the doctor ordered.

Adopting an animal, especially a furry one you can pet, also brings out our nurturing side and really does have a positive impact on one's physical and emotional well-being--lowering levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and stress. I and my family love cats too. They are such intelligent and independent creatures who can be fun and entertaining characters to have around the house. They are good for eliminating unwelcome rodents too!

But I’ve also found in my own life, and in my patients’ lives, that it’s the intangible, emotional qualities of pet ownership—unconditional love, friendship and companionship—that are difficult to measure, yet can be a powerful prescription for a healthy heart and a peaceful happy outlook. Our pets don’t judge us or criticize us or ask us for money. They adore us just the way we are. Combine that with the physical benefits reported recently in Circulation, and what more could you ask for?

Or course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you to practice responsible pet ownership. Be sure you have permission to own a pet if you live in an apartment or a retirement community, and that you can care for it, providing the appropriate food, water, exercise and love.

With those simple caveats, if you’re waiting for a better reason to acquire a dog, or a cat, I don’t think you’ll find one. Pet ownership is one of the very best things you can do for your heart and your soul—even the research confirms it!

Dr. O’Keefe is a cardiologist with Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants, with multiple locations in metropolitan Kansas City and the surrounding region.