Feeling lonely ‘increases your risk of silent killer by 56%’, experts warn [Video]

LONG-term loneliness may increase a person’s risk of stroke by 56 per cent, a new study shows.

Loneliness has already been linked with heart disease, depression, dementia and diabetes.

Researchers from Harvard University in the US suggest the health dangers of feeling lonely occur over time.

Those with situational or new loneliness did not have the same increased risk of stroke. 

But it comes after another recent study found that even short-term loneliness can have health risks.

Loneliness is considered a state of mind that causes a person to feel empty, alone and unwanted. It is not the same as social isolation, but can be exacerbated by it.

The latest study was led by Dr Yenee Soh, research associate at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, who said: “Loneliness is increasingly considered a major public health issue. 

“Our findings further highlight why that …