Being involved in a healthy, loving relationship does not only have emotional benefits, it may also be good for the heart, according to a recent study.

Cardiologist Julie Damp from Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute in Tennessee said this may be related to the fact that people who are married are less likely to smoke, are more physically active and are more likely to have a well-developed social structure. They also habe lower levels of stress and anxiety in their day-to-day lives, may seek medical attention more quickly, and may be more likely to take preventive medications.

"There are different theories behind why that might be," Damp said in a statement.

According to a recent study from Finland, married men and women had a significantly lowere risk of both having heart attacks and dying from a heart attack compared to people who were single.

"There is also a theory that people who are in loving relationships may experience neuro-hormonal changes that have positive effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system," she said. "This has not been proven, but the idea is that being in a relationship that is positive may have positive effects on your cardiovascular system over long periods of time."

Damp explained that there are certain hormone levels in the body that vary depending on the level of an individual's stress and anxiety.

Studies have also shown that relationships that involve conflict or negativity are associated with an increase in risk for coronary artery disease.

With Valentine's Day coming up, giving a loved one a box of dark chocolates and a bottle of red wine won't hurt either. Studies suggest they are good for the heart, as well, because the contain flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Antioxidants have positive effects on many different body systems including the cardiovascular system.

"Dark chocolate has been shown to be associated with lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels and improvement in the way your blood vessels dilate and relax," Damp added.