Loving relationship 'good for heart'

• October 10, 2007
  
  
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  Being in a loving and committed relationship is the romantic goal of a lot of people, but not normally for health reasons.
  
  However, new research suggests that being in love may have as much of a positive impact on the physical state as the emotional.
  
  Researchers from University College London asked 9,011 British subjects about their relationships and how much support them derived from them.
  
  After 12 years, the volunteers were assessed on their health and overall well-being.
  
  It was found that those subjects who expressed positive feelings about their close relationships were less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease.
  
  The authors wrote "When one considers emotional factors and their biological translation into the body, research shows that negative marital interactions are associated with depression, often in combination with reduced self-esteem and/or higher levels of anger.
  
  "It is possible that negative aspects of close relationships are more important for the health of individuals because of the power of negative close relationships to activate stronger emotions (worrying and anxiety) and the consequent physiological effects."
  
  To do your heart a favour, search for your perfect date!
  
  
  
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