Connection for Your Cardiovascular Health
In a study published in Nature Human Behavior, researchers analyzed blood samples from more than 42,000 adults and discovered that loneliness doesn’t just make us feel bad emotionally—it triggers specific biological changes in our bodies that can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even premature death.
“We know that social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health, but we’ve never understood why,” explains Dr. Chun Shen. “Our work has highlighted a number of proteins that appear to play a key role in this relationship, with levels of some proteins in particular increasing as a direct consequence of loneliness.”
Many of these proteins are produced during inflammation, viral infections, and immune responses. They’ve also been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early mortality. In other words, when you’re lonely, your body responds as if it’s under threat.
The difference between isolation and loneliness
The study made an important distinction between social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation is objective—it’s measured by whether you live alone, how often you see others, and whether you participate in social activities. Loneliness, on the other hand, is subjective—it’s about whether you feel lonely, regardless of how much contact you have with others.
“These findings drive home the importance of social contact in keeping us well,” said Professor Barbara Sahakian. “More and more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely. We need to find ways to tackle this growing problem and keep people connected to help them stay healthy.”
The good news? Social connection is something you can actively cultivate. Here are evidence-based steps to strengthen your social bonds and potentially protect your health:
Prioritize regular social contact. Schedule weekly coffee dates, phone calls, or video chats with friends and family. Consistency matters more than duration—even brief, regular interactions can make a difference.
Join group activities. Sign up for a class, volunteer organization, book club, fitness group, or hobby club. Shared activities create natural opportunities for connection and give you something to look forward to.
Use technology thoughtfully. While in-person contact is ideal, video calls with distant loved ones can help maintain meaningful connections. Just be mindful that passive social media scrolling doesn’t provide the same benefits as active engagement.
Reach out first. Don’t wait for others to initiate contact. Send that text, make that call, or suggest that get-together. Most people appreciate the connection and may be feeling isolated themselves.
Consider a pet. For some people, caring for a pet can provide companionship and even facilitate social connections with other pet owners.
Talk to your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing persistent loneliness, discuss it with your doctor. They may be able to connect you with community resources, support groups, or mental health services.
Volunteer or help others. Giving back creates meaningful connections while providing a sense of purpose. Look for opportunities in your community that align with your interests and values.
Be vulnerable. Share your feelings with trusted friends or family members. You might be surprised to learn others feel the same way, and opening up can deepen relationships.
This research confirms that we’re hardwired for connection. Our relationships aren’t just nice to have—they’re fundamental to our physical health, influencing everything from our immune system to our cardiovascular health. So, reach out to someone today. Your heart will thank you for it.