A major, little-known cause of chronic hypertension

Some years ago a doctor wrote a book called "The Broken Heart: The Medical Consequences of Loneliness".

It turns out that the individual who is experiencing loneliness for any number of reasons is far more likely to experience hypertension than an individual involved in a satisfying relationship or who has a rewarding social circle.

The author, an MD, tells the story of a 55-year old professor who could not get a handle on his hypertension until he began dating a woman he was attracted to. In time, he became normotensive.

So, for those of you who can't seem to lower your B.P, in a relationship or not, you have to be brutally honest with yourself and ask if loneliness is an issue. It's well known one can be as lonely or more lonely in a poor relationship than not involved with anyone.

It seems in terms of hypertension, the god of Genesis had it right: "it is not good for man (or woman) to be alone despite the protestations of those who claim otherwise. The "isolated" individual who returns home to an empty apartment or house is at increased rick for cardiovascular disease and other forms of mortality.

"Omnia Vincet Amor". Love conquers all.

The difference between a long.healthy life and one compromised or shortened by heart disease might just be as simple as connecting with another human being in an intimate way. Tweet