Heart2Heart with Madiha

When we think about protecting our hearts, we often focus on cholesterol, exercise, and healthy eating. But there's another factor that is just as important, and it's something many people overlook. Human connection. Growing evidence suggests that loneliness and social isolation are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. While loneliness is often thought of as an emotional experience, research shows it can also have measurable effects on physical health, including the heart. Loneliness and Social Isolation Are Not the Same Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different experiences. Social isolation   refers to having few social relationships or limited contact with others. Loneliness   is the feeling of being disconnected or lacking meaningful relationships, even if you're surrounded by people. A person can have a large social circle and still feel lonely, while someone living alone may feel deeply connected to family and friend...

Most of us know our birthday by heart. We can tell you exactly how old we are in years, months, or even days. But there's another age that may be even more important: your   heart age . Heart age is an estimate of how healthy your cardiovascular system is compared with your actual age. In some cases, a 30-year-old may have the heart health of someone in their 40s or 50s, while an older adult with healthy habits may have a heart that functions more like someone years younger. The encouraging news? Unlike your chronological age, your heart age can often improve. What Determines Your Heart Age? Heart age is based on several factors that influence your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These include: Blood pressure Cholesterol levels Smoking status Diabetes Body weight Physical activity Family history Age and sex Together, these factors help estimate how much wear and tear your heart and blood vessels have experienced over time. Why Heart Age Matters Many people feel healthy b...