The new analysis defined purpose in life as a sense of meaning and direction, and a feeling that life is worth living. Previous research has linked purpose to psychological health and well-being, but the new Mount Sinai analysis found that a high sense of purpose is associated with a 23 percent reduction in death from all causes and a 19 percent reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, or the need for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or a cardiac stenting procedure.

"Developing and refining your sense of purpose could protect your heart health and potentially save your life," says lead study author Randy Cohen, MD, a preventive cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai Roosevelt. "Our study shows there is a strong relationship between having a sense of purpose in life and protection from dying or having a cardiovascular event. As part of our overall health, each of us needs to ask ourselves the critical question of ‘do I have a sense of purpose in my life?' If not, you need to work toward the important goal of obtaining one for your overall well-being."

The research team reviewed 10 relevant studies with the data of more than 137,000 people to analyze the impact of sense of purpose on death rates and risk of cardiovascular events. The meta-analysis also found that those with a low sense of purpose are more likely to die or experience cardiovascular events.

"Prior studies have linked a variety of psychosocial risk factors to heart disease, including negative factors such as anxiety and depression and positive factors such as optimism and social support," says Alan Rozanski, MD, study co-author and Director of Wellness and Prevention Programs for Mount Sinai Heart at the Mount Sinai Health System. "Based on our findings, future research should now further assess the importance of life purpose as a determinant of health and well-being and assess the impact of strategies designed to improve individuals' sense of life purpose."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Should Christians Vote? Longtime Bible Teacher Steve Gregg Gave This Excellent Answer...

Watch: JD Vance Turns to Prayer as Medical Emergency Halts Rally

FBI: Powerful Virginia Democrat Arrested on Drug, Racketeering, Money Laundering Charges

FBI Stops Alleged ISIS Plot to Kill Texas Congressman

Polling Scandal Rocks the Midterms, Fueling More Skepticism about the Media's Lopsided Projections

What's In a Name? Perhaps the Truth. DOJ Court Filing Disputes Rep. Ilhan Omar's Name

8-1 Supreme Court Decision Upends Student ID Fight in Battleground Days Before Key Senate Election

First Lady Melania Trump Brokers Ukraine-Russia Temporary Ceasefire

Archeologist Believes His Team Has Confirmed the Site of Jesus' Baptism

Small Business Administration's Million Dollar Pitch Competition

Town Gave Muslim School Permission to Bring In 90 Students, Then It Went Rogue and Brought in Hundreds More (Video)

House Committee Report Details 'Dangerous Consequences' of Sanctuary County's Soros-Backed Attorney

New Migrant Caravan Leaves Southern Mexico in Hopes for Democrat Win in Midterms

US Supreme Court Allows Prisoner Transgender Operations at Taxpayer Expense

Prayer Alert: The Discovered and Exposed Real Coup Plan in America

Donnie Wahlberg Praises God After Private Jet Runs Off Las Vegas Runway

Prayer Alert: Calvary Chapel Pastor and Wife Killed Outside Home, Leaving 2 Teenage Children

Alberta Votes to Remain in Canada But Take More Control from Carney Gov't

Inside the Secret Democrat Plot to Weaponize Congress Against Elon Musk

Senate Showdown: Jews, Muslims and the Fight for Michigan