Effects of loneliness on health
Nowadays, many people feel lonely even when they are in a crowd. This loneliness is not only a mental condition, but it can also cause serious physical problems. Recently, an important study has revealed that people who feel more lonely have an increased risk of heart valve diseases. This study has been published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association*. Let us know how loneliness causes heart diseases in adults and what are the findings of this study.
heart diseases related to loneliness
Loneliness increases the risk of heart valve diseases in adults. The heart has four major valves that control the flow of blood. When one of these valves does not function properly, it is called ‘valvular heart disease’. In this condition, blood does not flow properly, which puts extra pressure on the heart, and over time the condition can become serious, which may even require surgery.
Study findings
The study involved approximately 463,000 participants linked to the UK Biobank, whose health was monitored for about 14 years. The study showed that people who felt more lonely had a 19% higher risk of heart valve disease. Specifically, the risk of ‘aortic valve stenosis’ increased by 21% and the risk of ‘mitral valve regurgitation’ increased by 23%.
Loneliness is linked to heart disease
This study revealed an interesting fact: when a person feels lonely, he has less contact with others. The research also showed that feelings of loneliness were linked to heart disease, while no direct link was found to the state of living alone. Scientists say that this study is ‘observational’, which shows a strong connection between loneliness and disease.
Habits that increase the risk of heart disease
The study also found that certain habits associated with loneliness, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity and lack of sleep, can worsen the condition. All these factors harm heart health.
expert opinion
Experts believe that loneliness is not just an emotional problem, but it also affects physical health. It should be taken seriously, and doctors should discuss their mental condition with patients. According to experts, if the feeling of loneliness is reduced, the pace of development of heart diseases can be slowed down, and in many cases the need for surgery can also be avoided. As age increases, the risk of heart disease also increases, and the feeling of loneliness also deepens, which can further increase this risk in the elderly.
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