Oxytocin and Heart Health: How the Love Hormone Improves Cardiac Function
How Does Oxytocin Improve Heart Health and Social Connection?
Oxytocin increases heart rate variability (HRV) - a key indicator of cardiovascular health and stress resilience - by enhancing parasympathetic nervous system activity and improving the heart’s ability to adapt to changing demands. Higher HRV indicates better cardiovascular fitness, emotional regulation, and capacity for social engagement, suggesting that oxytocin’s effects on social bonding are intimately connected to its beneficial effects on heart health and overall physiological resilience.