It's true. Loneliness can kill you - literally. Experts have pointed out that people who report higher levels of loneliness fall into a higher risk category of developing heart disease and may also be more likely to succumb to it. There's a difference between being a loner and being lonely though, so try not to get confused. Having a huge social circle doesn't protect you against loneliness. Some of the most popular people with the largest social circles are in fact quite lonely, while those with just a few friends may be completely content and happy. Loneliness is different from social isolation though the concepts are often used in the same sense.
Loneliness does not refer to the amount of time a person spends on his own either. There are some people who simply need more 'me' time than others. Rather psychologists define loneliness as the gap between what a person desires for his social relationships and the reality of his actual social interactions. According to them, loneliness is more about quality than quantity, and is measured by the satisfaction and happiness derived from a person's interpersonal relationships. So, what's the link between loneliness and heart disease?
In a study conducted by Swedish researches in the 1990s, patients were questioned about their feelings just before they underwent bypass heart surgery. After the surgery, the researches compared the emotional responses of these patients with their mortality rate. It was discovered that those patients who reported feelings of loneliness before the surgery were 2.5 times more likely to die within 30 days of their surgery; five years later, their mortality rate was still nearly twice as high. Moreover, this was irrespective of whether they were married, had partners or were involved in social groups such as the church. It seemed to the researches that you really could die of loneliness.
What experts haven't yet managed to pinpoint is exactly how loneliness can lead to heart disease. However as expected they have a number of possible explanations. One theory suggests that people with friends and a healthy social network may simply spend less time alone and are more likely to indulge in harmful activities such as smoking, drinking, and getting less exercise. In the same vein, lonely people who are recovering from heart disease or surgery may have no one to turn to and provide essential support such as cooking healthy meals, helping with the household and caring through the period of convalescence. But this is not the entire story. In recent years, researchers have added to this theory. Studies suggest that loneliness may actually have a physical effect on the cardiovascular system by causing high levels of stress. Unlike the effects of depression or anger on the body, the stress caused by loneliness appears to be more damaging to the heart.
Research shows that the brains of lonely people respond differently to stress. Individuals who are lonely are more likely to view the world as threatening and negative. Their brains remain on high alert for social threats (whether based on reality or not). This results in the production of higher levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol. Lonely people hover in this perpetual state of high stress and this may cause irreparable damage to the heart. High cortisol levels can cause the immune system to lose sensitivity, reducing its ability to fight off infections. Too much cortisol can also lead to the narrowing of arteries that may ultimately lead to hypertension, atherosclerosis and heart disease.
If you are at risk for heart disease or if you have already suffered from a heart attack, it is imperative that you increase your social interaction to prevent loneliness. If you feel lonely and 'cut off' from others speak to your doctor or health care provider. There are support groups like Mended Hearts that may help by providing practical solutions as well as an opportunity to connect with others like you. If loneliness has been a life-long issue, consult with a mental health professional or counselor. This may help you understand what stops you from making friends and provide you with the tools to remedy the situation. There may even be a medical condition underlying your loneliness such as depression or severe anxiety that may benefit from medication. After all, devoting time to your relationships is as beneficial for your health as exercising and eating a healthy diet.
References
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.