# Why Is Loneliness Dangerous for Health?Loneliness has a serious impact on both physical and mental health. Here are the main reasons:## Physical Health Effects- **Cardiovascular system**: loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and hyper

Chronic loneliness can cause numerous dangerous diseases, warned psychotherapist Irina Krashkina.

She spoke about this in a conversation with the RIAMO outlet.

"Research confirms: chronic loneliness raises cortisol levels, provokes systemic low-grade inflammation, and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases," the psychotherapist noted.

She also stated that the harm from loneliness is comparable to the consequences of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or clinical obesity.

The specialist added that immunity decreases, susceptibility to viral infections grows, cognitive functions deteriorate, and the risk of early-onset dementia increases.

"Loneliness activates the same neural pathways in the brain as physical pain, making the suffering real. Sleep is disrupted, and tissue regeneration slows down," she said.

According to the doctor, chronic loneliness negatively affects the immune system, provokes sleep problems, impairs cognitive functions, and increases the risk of early-onset dementia and cardiovascular diseases.