Does Companion Animal Ownership Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease?
Results of a three-year study at the Baker Medical Research Institute showed that companion animal owners had lower blood pressure, lower triglyceride levels, and lower cholesterol levels than did non-owners.
Companion animal owners showed significantly lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as lower systolic blood pressure readings, compared with non-owners. The results were less pronounced among females, though female companion animal owners over 40 showed a significantly lower systolic blood pressure than non-owners. Upon further examination, no other factors were identified that could account for this difference.