Am I falling in love... Or is it atrial fibrillation?

By: Diana Juarez

Just like the great philosophers Fleetwood Mac have said, Love is Dangerous. Experts say while falling in love does enhance your well-being it can also cause stress. When looking at your cherished one, your brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones like adrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. This causes the heart to use more oxygen which can be risky for a person with blood vessel blockage or who has had a prior heart attack.

Well, I say don’t listen to that tomfoolery. Love has many more benefits than we could even begin to count. Being in love makes people feel optimistic, energetic, focused, and motivated, which are all positive for health.

Studies show that, when in love, it ramps up your parasympathetic nervous system (a network of nerves that relaxes your body after periods of stress) It also reduces stress and improves feelings of depression or anxiety. So let’s keep those rose-colored glasses on, but check with your doctor just in case.