The Security and Warmth of Close Relationships Keeps the Heart Healthy

Close relationships make us feel secure and loved and guess who benefits the most from this positive feeling - It is your heart, says a new study. The study conducted by Lachlan A. McWilliams, PhD, of Acadia University and a colleague revealed that people insecure about their attachments to others might be at higher risk for cardiovascular problems than those who feel secure in their relationships.

The team found that avoidant attachment (difficulty getting close to others) was positively associated with conditions defined primarily by pain, like headaches.

Anxious attachment (tendency to worry about rejection and feeling needy) was positively associated with cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart attack or high blood pressure.

These patients were also at a higher risk of chronic pain, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure and ulcers.

"The findings also raise the possibility that interventions aimed at improving attachment security could also have positive health outcomes," said McWilliams.

Source-ANI