Introduction
Optimism is associated with better cardiovascular health, yet little is known about
the underlying mechanisms and whether protective relationships are consistently observed
across diverse groups. This study examines optimism's association with lipid profiles
over time and separately among Black and White men and women.
Methods
Data were from 3,206 middle-aged adults in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in
Young Adults study. Optimism was measured in 2000–2001 using the Revised Life Orientation
Test. Triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol measurements were obtained at 5-year intervals through 2015–2016.
Linear mixed models evaluated relationships between optimism and lipids, adjusting
for covariates, including prebaseline lipids. Subgroup differences were examined using
interaction terms and stratification. All analyses were conducted in 2020.
Results
Higher optimism was associated with both lower baseline total cholesterol (β= −2.33,
95% CI= −4.31, −0.36) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (β= −1.93, 95%
CI= −3.65, −0.21) and a more rapid incremental increase in both markers over time
(total cholesterol: β=0.09, 95% CI=0.00, 0.18; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol:
β=0.09, 95% CI=0.01, 0.16). No associations were apparent with baseline triglycerides,
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or changes in either lipid over time. Tests
for interaction only found evidence of heterogeneous associations with baseline triglyceride
levels, but stratified models hinted at stronger protective associations with baseline
levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among White women.
Conclusions
Optimism may help diverse individuals establish healthy total cholesterol and low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol levels before midlife. Although associations were largely
consistent across subgroups, stronger associations among White men and White women
highlight a need to study optimism's health impact in diverse samples.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: January 20, 2022
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© 2021 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
