Cardiologist Prescribes 1 Heart Healthy Habit That’s Not Exercise

Exercise is famously good for the heart. But there’s another habit that has a similar effect and can complement your workouts.

It’s fun and more active than meditation or relaxation exercises, but you can still do it while sitting in place.

Dr. Michael Miller, a cardiologist at Penn Medicine and professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, actually prescribes this activity for his patients.

Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Get Belly Laughs to Boost Heart Health

Hearty laughing to the point of tears can reduce a person’s risk of a heart attack if done regularly, Miller says.

“When you are laughing, you’re not being stressed out,” he tells TODAY.com.

“So at the very least, you’re neutralizing that effect of stress. But at best, enhancing your blood vessel dilation,” which benefits the heart.

Daily laughter is associated with lower prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, studies have found.

“Laughter itself contributes to increasing longevity and reducing cardiovascular disease incidence,” researchers reported.

Why It Matters

When you laugh, you’re releasing endorphins — neurotransmitters and natural painkillers — from the brain, leading to a cascade of cardioprotective effects, says Miller, who’s been studying the effects of laughter since the 1990s.

Receptors sitting on the lining of blood vessels are activated, which leads to the release of nitric oxide — a “very prized” chemical that causes blood vessels to dilate, reduces inflammation and platelet stickiness, and affects cholesterol, he notes.

The effect allows blood vessels to be a bit more flexible when they dilate and improves blood flow, boosting circulation and reducing blood pressure.

“In a way, that’s very similar to exercise, because exercise also releases endorphins and dilates blood vessels,” Miller explains.

Plus, laughter boosts mood, which has a positive impact on the brain-heart connection.

“Emotional health is key to cardiovascular health,” the cardiologist says.

How to Get Started

Belly laugh at least two to five days a week, in addition to exercising at least three to five days a week, Miller advises.

Go beyond just merely smiling — you want to achieve the kind of laughter that shakes your body and makes you cry with mirth.

The best way to do it is to figure out what makes you laugh to the point of tears. It might be watching your favorite comedian, looking at cat videos or other animal follies online, or playing with children.

Getting together with friends or loved ones might be particularly effective.

“While you’re laughing, you look at them, and they’re laughing so hard, it makes you laugh so hard, and tears come to your eyes. I think that’s the most powerful source to bring this cardiovascular benefit,” the cardiologist says.

TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.