Loneliness causes high BP during old age. This was revealed by a new study done at the University of Chicago.

It shows the direct linkage between loneliness and blood pressure. The study said that they are directly proportional to each other.

However, said the study that loneliness works alone. It is not affected by other factors like age, depression, stress and body-mass index. Smoking, alcohol use also causes high BP.

Besides, demographic differences such as race and income also have their impact.

The research that involved 229 people aged between 50 to 68 years included a mixed of different cultures and professions. The study was conducted over a period of five years and included thorough interrogation with the individuals.

Hawkley, Senior Research Scientist with the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, a part of University of Chicago research team illustrated the results which showed a connection between loneliness and blood pressure. People suffering the most from the fear of being lonely reported a blood pressure rise by 14.4 mm.