Dog Ownership Effects on Elderly Owner's Cardiovascular Health: A Review

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Brianna Rose Catalano (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Katherine K. Thorington, Ph.D.

Abstract: In this review I discuss the current literature on the relationship between cardiovascular health and dog ownership in people over the age of 60 from a biological perspective. Dog ownership can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels, as well as increase levels of physical activity. My focus will be on two major questions 1) how does the relationship between blood pressure, triglycerides and dog ownership affect the risks of cardiovascular disease? 2) How does the relationship between dog ownership and physical activity affect the risks of cardiovascular disease? In reviewing 12 papers, I found that 9 papers showed dog ownership to be beneficial. Dog ownership can help reduce risks of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels, as well as increase physical activity in older adults.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Esther G. Maynor Honors College
Language: English
Date: 2020
Keywords
Cardiovascular Health, Dog Ownership, Blood Pressure, Physical Activity, Triglycerides, Dogs, Elderly, Senior Citizens, Older Adults,

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