New publications
The ability to forgive reliably protects a person from hypertension
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Forgiving the wrongs done to you can be a very effective method in preventing the risk and development of hypertension. The ability to forgive can reliably protect a person from sharp surges in blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing hypertension, heart attacks and even stroke. This unexpected phenomenon was announced by scientists from the University of California in San Diego based on the results of a recent new study.
More than 200 volunteers took part in the research. The subjects were asked several times a day to recall situations in their lives when they felt most offended by their close friend. Half of the study participants were asked to recall instances when they forgave the offense. Special equipment recorded the blood pressure and heart rate of the participants.
The experiment yielded the following result: subjects who recalled grievances that they were never able to forgive showed the highest increase in blood pressure.
Forgiving grievances may well become an effective method in preventing hypertension, the researchers concluded.