In the largest study of its kind, researchers from the University of Surrey have found that social isolation could be linked to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation can eventually start damaging healthy cells, tissues and organs and lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that social isolation was associated with the presence of C-reactive protein, released into the bloodstream within hours of a tissue injury, that increased levels of the glycoprotein fibrinogen, which is converted into fibrin-based blood clots. Interestingly, the link is more likely to be observed in men than women. This could be because men and women respond differently to social stressors.
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