Influence of Spiritual Well-Being on Blood Pressure, Central Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function

Introduction

Spirituality and religiosity (S/R) are cultural aspects that have existed since the beginnings of human existence. Having been long considered as opponent to science, only recently, S/R have gained importance in the context of health.

Definitions of S/R have been constantly evolving, according to the need for adaptation to new knowledge. Today, religion has been related to organizational, institutional and dogmatic aspects, that is, the contact with deity occurs through predetermined formats, specific to each religious segment. Spirituality is a wider term, encompassing a quest for personal, psychological and spiritual well-being, and good-quality interpersonal relationships. According to the Department of Studies in Spirituality and Cardiovascular Medicine (DEMCA, Departamento de Estudos em Espiritualidade e Medicina Cardiovascular ) of the Brazilian Cardiology Society, “spirituality is a set of moral, mental and emotional values that guide thoughts, behaviors and attitudes in life circumstances of intra and interpersonal relationships”.

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