Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials examining positive psychology and mindfulness programmes designed to improve mental and physical health.
The programmes included activities such as mindfulness exercises, gratitude journaling, optimism training and motivational sessions.
The studies involved adults who already had an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including people with uncontrolled high blood pressure and heart failure.
Most programmes lasted between six and 12 weeks and combined regular sessions with activities participants completed at home.
The researchers found that programmes involving frequent practice and regular reinforcement produced the most consistent improvements in cardiovascular health.
In some groups, eight weeks of mindfulness-based programmes were associated with reductions in systolic blood pressure and inflammation.
One 12-week digital programme based on spirituality recorded a reduction of 7.6 points in systolic blood pressure measured with a standard cuff.
The research also showed that some programmes encouraged healthier behaviours.
An eight-week WhatsApp-based programme combined weekly sessions with daily activities designed to encourage participants to exercise more, improve their diets and take their medications as prescribed.
Another programme using motivational interviewing increased participants’ physical activity by about 1,800 steps per day while also improving medication adherence.
Researchers said the benefits appeared strongest when participants practised these techniques daily and received weekly reinforcement over an eight to 12-week period.
However, they noted that continued support may be necessary to maintain behavioural changes over the longer term.
The findings highlight a growing connection between psychological well-being and cardiovascular health.
Previous research has linked characteristics such as optimism, gratitude and positive emotions with healthier hearts.
Rosalba Hernandez, who led the research team, said the findings suggest that positive psychology approaches could become an additional tool for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers also emphasized the importance of addressing mental and behavioural health as part of heart care.
They suggested that routine screening and access to behavioural interventions could help improve cardiovascular health.
The study does not suggest that mindfulness or positive thinking should replace medical treatment.
Instead, researchers see these practices as potential additions to existing approaches for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.
The findings provide further evidence that mental well-being and physical health are closely connected.
Simple practices such as mindfulness, gratitude and optimism could offer an accessible way to support heart health, particularly when they are practiced consistently and combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
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