Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
Purpose in life (Ikigai) and employment status in relation to cardiovascular mortality: the Japan Collaborative
Junji Miyazaki1, Kokoro Shirai1, Takashi Kimura2
1Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
Objectives:
To investigate whether having a purpose in life (Ikigai) is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and whether the association varies by employment status.
Design:
Prospective cohort study.
Setting:
Residents in 45 municipalities, Japan.
Participants:
29 517 men and 41 984 women aged 40-79 years, free of CVD and cancer at baseline from 1988 to 1990.
Primary Outcome Measures:
CVD mortality.
Results:
During the median follow-up of 19.1 years, 4680 deaths (2393 men and 2287 women) from total CVD were observed. Greater Ikigai was associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality, and the result was stronger for men than for women. Stratified by employment status, the inverse association was confined to unemployed persons. Among unemployed persons, the multivariable HRs of total CVD were higher for moderate and high versus low levels of Ikigai. Multivariable HRs (95% CIs) were 0.74 (0.57 to 0.97) and 0.69 (0.52 to 0.93), P for trend <0.044, respectively in men, and 0.78 (0.64 to 0.95) and 0.77 (0.61 to 0.97), P for trend=0.039 in women. No association was observed among the employed, including part-time workers, self-employed and homemakers for both men and women. Such an inverse association remained even after excluding early deaths within 5 years from the baseline survey.
Conclusion:
Higher levels of Ikigai were associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality, especially for unemployed men and women.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures