Cheerful people less likely to suffer heart attack: Study

People with cheerful dispositions are less likely to suffer a coronary event such as a heart attack or sudden cardiac death, says a study.

Previous research has shown that depressed and anxious people are more likely to die of heart attack than those who are sunnier.

The researchers at Johns Hopkins say their study shows that a general sense of well-being -- feeling cheerful, relaxed, energetic and satisfied with life -- actually reduces the chances of heart attack.

The findings of the study was published in the American Journal of Cardiology, reports Science Daily.

"If you are by nature a cheerful person and look on the bright side of things, you are more likely to be protected from cardiac events," says lead author Lisa R. Yanek, assistant professor in the general internal medicine division at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

"A happier temperament has an actual effect on disease and you may be healthier as a result," Yanek said.