Having a pet at home

Did you know that pets can contribute to your heart health? It is scientifically proven that pets are strongly associated with the control of risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Contact with animals stimulates the production of several good hormones, such as endorphins, prolactins and oxytocins, substances that act in the regulation of cortisol (hormone related to the alertness), which contributes to the fight against stress. Also released in the body due to this human-animal interaction, acetylcholine acts to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate. The feeling of well-being, happiness and comfort generated in this interaction results in a decrease in adrenaline levels - a substance linked to increased blood pressure. Having a pet at home still inhibits the feeling of social isolation. Loneliness, anxiety and depression are other factors that trigger problems in the cardiovascular system that living with pets minimizes.