Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Narin: 'Owning a pet is good for the heart'

Cardiovascular Surgeon Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Narin stated that people who keep pets at home have an important factor in protecting their heart health. Narin listed the benefits of pets for the heart one by one.

Narin said, "We can say that owning a pet has many benefits in terms of heart health. The effects of pets such as reducing stress, making one happy, providing socialization, and preventing excess weight gain by encouraging more movement are indicators that they are heart-friendly."

Stating that the positive effects of pets on physical and emotional health are known and scientifically proven, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narin said, "High blood pressure, stress, and inactivity negatively affect the heart. As physicians, we express recommendations to protect heart health at every opportunity, such as healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and a stress-free life. The presence of pets is a significant gain in implementing some of these recommendations," and listed the benefits as follows:

"Reduces stress: Communication established with pets reduces stress on the heart by lowering stress hormone levels and providing relaxation.

Lowers blood pressure: Spending time with pets helps lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Increases physical activity: Especially dog owners move more to walk their friends. This is very beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Encourages socialization: Pets facilitate socialization and meeting new people, especially for people living alone, reducing the risk of depression.

Provides happiness: Spending time with pets increases the secretion of happiness hormones such as endorphins."

Noting that for individuals with a suitable home environment, adopting a pet, which has many positive effects, can be considered to protect heart health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narin said, "According to a study conducted in 2019, the risk of having a heart attack for dog owners was found to be 31 percent lower. In another study conducted in 2017, it was observed that the risk of having a stroke for cat owners was 30 percent less. When these results are evaluated, it is clear that pets are not only cute friends but also important helpers for our heart health," he said.