New research was conducted at Carnegie Mellon University and published in the American Psychological Association's journal Health Psychology suggests that unpleasant encounters increase the risk of hypertension among older adults.
This study is considered groundbreaking by researchers because it provides some of the first sound proof that negative interaction cannot only affect psychological health but also your physical health.
The results are considered of great importance because hypertension affects an estimated 65 million Americans and is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
The study used data from a survey of 1502 subjects that were healthy and over the age of fifty. The number of negative social interactions for the subjects was logged along with their blood pressure.
The results show that each increase in the total average negative social interaction score was associated with a 38 percent increased chance of developing hypertension over a four-year period.
According to Robert E. Doherty, University Professor of Psychology in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences:
"This demonstrates how important social networks are as we age - constructing strong, positive relationships are beneficial to prolonged health."
If you’re interested in keeping your blood pressure under control you might want to make your best effort to minimize negative social interaction in your life.
Have a healthy day,
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