Why is blood flow important?
A fast blood flow shows that the arteries are wide and open, so the heart and the rest of the body is well supplied with blood. In contrast, a slow blood flow shows that the arteries have become narrowed and the chances of a blockage forming are increased. Why does laughter expand blood vessels? The researchers are not sure exactly how laughter expands the blood vessels. One theory is that the effect is a result of the movement of the diaphragm muscles as you chuckle or guffaw. Another idea is that it’s caused by chemicals called endorphins being released when we laugh. How does stress make our blood flow slower? While no-one understands how laughter makes our blood flow faster, the study’s researchers may be able to explain how stress slows the flow down. A chemical called nitric oxide helps the endothelium to expand. The researchers suggest that mental stress leads to a breakdown in nitric oxide or reduces its production, resulting in narrowing. How was the study carried out? The stu
