Loneliness Increases Blood Pressure

Loneliness is an inescapable part of life. I know the feeling well since I’ve been an expat for almost 10 years. Each time we move to a new country, the feelings are renewed. Fortunately, we have a toddler at home who keeps us happy and entertained (most of the time!). But, sooner or later, we’ll have to rely on ourselves to combat the loneliness.

So it should be no surprise that my blood pressure is a little higher than normal. New research shows that loneliness is a risk factor for hypertension. In adults over 50, feelings of loneliness can add 30 points to diastolic blood pressure raising it from an average normal of 120 mm/Hg to stage 1 hypertension, measured at 150 mm/Hg.

Sometimes it just takes time to get used to new surroundings and make new friends. In general, having a good support system improves health and happiness. If you don’t fancy getting out to parties and mixers, try some online socializing. I know I’d be even more depressed if I didn’t have Internet access (don’t even get me started on this one!).

Forbes.com, March 28, 2006