- Owning a dog may boost heart health by encouraging physical activity.
- Spending time with dogs can lower stress, benefiting blood pressure and heart health.
- Engaging with pets may increase oxytocin, improving mood and lowering stress.
Heart disease has been the No. 1 leading cause of death in the United States for quite some time, and in 2026, stroke rose up to the No. 4 spot. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke together claim a quarter of all deaths in the country.
Fortunately, there are some preventative measures that can be taken to improve your heart health and lower your risk of cardiovascular events, from embracing a low-sodium diet to prioritizing blood-pumping movement in your routine. But there is one factor—or should we say loved one—that may have more of a…