Make yourself a friend

Dog owners live longer

Lina Medvedeva, XX2 century

According to a study and meta-analysis published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, dog owners have a longer life and a better state of the cardiovascular system, especially those who have experienced a heart attack or stroke and live alone (compared to people who have suffered the same thing, but do not keep a dog at home).

"The results of two studies are based on the findings of the American Heart Association, they are set out in the scientific report "Animal Ownership and risk of cardiovascular diseases." Keeping a dog as a pet is associated with a reduction in factors contributing to the risk of cardiovascular complications and pathological conditions that can lead to myocardial damage," says Glenn N. Levine, chairman of the group on the compilation of this report. – In addition, studies indicate that dog owners have reduced mortality not only from heart disease, but also from any causes. Although non-randomized studies cannot prove that pet dogs lead to a decrease in mortality, but the data say so."

Taking into account previous studies showing how social isolation and lack of physical activity negatively affect patients, in the framework of a new study and meta-analysis, scientists tried to determine exactly how dogs affect the health of the owner. Preliminary studies have shown that social isolation decreases, physical activity improves and blood pressure decreases. According to the researchers, this may lead to better functioning of the cardiovascular system compared to those who do not have a dog.

In this study, scientists compared the health status of dog owners and those who do not have dogs after a heart attack or stroke, using health data provided by the Swedish National Registry of Patients. The study involved residents of Sweden aged 40-85 years who had a heart attack or ischemic stroke in 2001-2012.

Compared to people who didn't have a dog, the researchers found the following in dog owners:

• The risk of death for single patients who had a myocardial infarction was 33% lower, and for those who live with a partner or child, 15% lower.
• The risk of death for single stroke patients was 27% lower, and 12% lower for those who live with a partner or child.

Almost 182,000 people with a heart attack were registered in the study, 6% were dog owners, almost 155,000 people with ischemic stroke, of which 5% were dog owners.

The lower risk of death associated with owning a dog can be attributed to increased physical activity, decreased depression and loneliness.

"We know that social isolation is a strong risk factor for deterioration of health and premature death. Previous studies have shown that dog owners experience less social isolation and interact more with other people, – said a professor at Uppsala University (Sweden. Uppsala universitet) Tove Fall. – In addition, keeping a dog is a good motivation for physical activity, it is an important factor in rehabilitation and mental health."

Despite the fact that this study is based on a large sample, the classification of owners living with a partner is potentially incorrect, since the death of a dog or a change of owner could affect the results of the study.

"The results indicate a positive effect of the dog on patients who have had a heart attack or stroke. However, additional studies confirming cause-and-effect relationships are needed in order to make recommendations to get a dog for prevention. Moreover, from the point of view of animal welfare, dogs should be acquired only by those who feel that they have the ability and knowledge to provide a pet with a good life."

The researchers analyzed data on 3.8 million patients taken from 10 separate studies for a comprehensive meta-analysis. Out of 10 verified studies, 9 compared mortality for any reason in dog owners and those who do not have them, four compared the properties of the cardiovascular system in those who have a dog and those who do not.

The researchers found that compared to those who do not have dogs, the owners of animals:

• the risk of mortality from any causes is reduced by 24%,
• 65% reduced risk of death after a heart attack,
• the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases is reduced by 31%.

"Having a dog is associated with increased exercise, decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels in previous reports," says Caroline Kramer, co–author of the study. "Thus, we can expect that people who have had dogs will live longer, and their risk of cardiovascular death will also be lower."

Studies that were considered suitable for analysis included studies conducted among adults over the age of 18, original data from an initial prospective study, an assessment of dog ownership at the beginning of the study, and reported patient mortality from all causes or cardiovascular disease. Retrospective studies that did not provide an absolute number of events and reported non-lethal cardiovascular conditions were excluded from the analysis.

"The results of the analysis suggest that dog owners live longer. But we have not investigated improving physical fitness or maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general, possibly related to owning a dog. However, the results are very positive, – says Dr. Kramer. – The next step is an interventional study to assess the cardiovascular system after a person takes a dog, as well as the social and psychological benefits of owning a dog. As a dog owner, I can say that when I took Romeo, my physical activity began to increase every day, and my everyday life was filled with joy and unconditional love."

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