Having no friends can increase the risk of heart attack. Research conducted at Harvard University reveals the detrimental effects of social isolation on human health. Harvard University, a renowned private research institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard has been at the forefront of innovative research across various disciplines. In one of their studies, they discovered a link between loneliness and heart attack, attributing it to increased levels of fibrinogen, a blood clotting protein.
Fibrinogen plays a crucial role in blood coagulation, stabilizing blood clots, and promoting wound healing. Abnormal fibrinogen levels can indicate various health issues, including bleeding disorders, thrombosis, and liver disease. Harvard researchers found a correlation between social connections and fibrinogen levels. As social connections decreased, fibrinogen levels rose. Individuals with smaller social networks (five people) had 20% higher fibrinogen levels compared to those with larger networks (25 people). Remarkably, having 10-12 fewer friends had a similar impact on fibrinogen levels as taking up smoking.
According to lead author Dr. David Kim of Harvard Medical School, "Measurement of the whole social network can provide information about an individual's cardiac risk that is not necessarily apparent to the individual herself." He further emphasized, "Social connectedness displays a significant association with fibrinogen."
We are inherently social beings, designed to interact and connect with others. Even animals exhibit social behavior within their species. Individuals struggling to form connections may be experiencing underlying health issues or hormonal imbalances, highlighting the importance of social relationships for overall well-being.
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