Did you know that Valentine’s Day can literally be good for your heart? While many of us are busy brainstorming the perfect gifts – maybe some chocolates (go for the high-quality cacao, if you can!) or a beautiful, freshly prepared dinner – there’s an often-overlooked angle to Valentine’s gifting that can actually do wonders for your heart. And we’re not talking about heart-shaped candy here; we’re talking about the power of love and gratitude. More than just making us feel all warm and fuzzy, these two emotions can also give your heart a serious health boost. 

You’ve probably heard the term “heartwarming” when describing moments of connection or acts of kindness. Well, turns out, there’s real science behind that as studies show that expressing love and gratitude has a positive impact on cardiovascular health as your body actually responds in a beneficial way to these feelings.

 The Science Behind Love and Heart Health 

Whether it’s romantic, familial, or even the love between friends, studies show that love helps lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart rate variability—all important factors for a healthy heart. And here’s the kicker: when we express love or feel grateful, our bodies release oxytocin (the “love hormone”), which helps lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), both of which can lower the risk of heart disease. 

But the heart health benefits don’t stop there. Practicing gratitude on the regular is linked to lower levels of inflammation in the body—something that’s known to contribute to heart problems. Plus, grateful people tend to live healthier lives overall, with better sleep, more exercise, and lower stress—all things that benefit the heart.

 The Power of Saying “Thank You” and “I Love You” 

In our often-hectic lives, we may forget to pause and express our love or gratitude to the people around us. Whether it’s saying “thank you” to a coworker or telling your partner you love them, these little moments don’t just strengthen relationships—they’re great for your 

health, too. Studies show that when we express gratitude, whether in person or in a handwritten note, it can boost both our mood and our cardiovascular health.

Have a Truly Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day! 

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share some love or appreciation with the people who matter most to you. Sure, chocolates and flowers are sweet and thoughtful, but heartfelt words of gratitude or love can have a deeper, more lasting impact—on their heart and yours. And remember, expressing love and appreciation doesn’t just benefit the person on the receiving end; it’s also a way to nurture your own heart health. 

So, this Valentine’s Day, give the gift that keeps on giving. A simple gesture of love or gratitude might just be one of the best things you can do. After all, love and gratitude are the ultimate heart-healthy treats. 

Wishing you a heartwarming, health-boosting Valentine’s Day! 

A little Valentine’s inspired reading? (Article sources): 

• Guo, Y., Zhang, Y., Jia, X., Zhao, Y., & Zhang, B. (2023). “Gratitude interventions in cardiovascular disease: A systematic review.” Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1219367. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219367[1] 

• Davidson, K. W., Mostofsky, E., & Whang, W. (2010). “Don’t worry, be happy: positive affect and reduced 10-year incident coronary heart disease: The Canadian Nova Scotia Health Survey.” European Heart Journal, 31(9), 1065-1070. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehp603 

• Algoe, S. B., & Way, B. M. (2014). “Evidence for a role of the oxytocin system, indexed by genetic variation in CD38, in the social bonding effects of expressed gratitude.” Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 9(12), 1855- 1861. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nst182 

• Garrott, K., Dyavanapalli, J., Cauley, E., Dwyer, M. K., Kuzmiak-Glancy, S., Wang, X., Mendelowitz, D., & Kay, M. W. (2020). “Chronic activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons improves cardiac function during heart failure.” Cardiovascular Research, 116(7), 1315-1329.