People who own dogs or cats may have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found having a dog or cat in one's life was associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects, including increased, physical activity, and lower systemic blood pressure.
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The investigators noted two randomized trials in their evaluation. One of them studied 30 people with borderline hypertension who either adopted a dog from a shelter or deferred adoption.
At 2 and 5 months follow-up, the group that adopted dogs had significantly lower systolic blood pressure. When all participants had adopted a dog, the drop in blood pressure was similar between the two groups.