Two hearts really DO beat as one if you're in love: Scientists find couples' vital signs

mimic each other

Couple's breathing patterns and heart rates synchronise when they sit close to each
other
Effect was not seen in paired-up strangers
Scientists suggest women more empathetic as tended to adjust to their partners'
rhythms more
Couples in love often share the same interests, finish each other sentences, and
laugh at the same jokes. Now a new study suggests even their hearts may beat to
the same rhythm.
Scientists found that a couple's breathing patterns and heart rates would match
up after sitting close to each other. They didn't even have to be holding hands or
talking for this to happen.
However, a similar effect was not seen among strangers.+1
Heartening news: Couples synchronise both their breathing and heart rates
The team from the University of California, Davis, were studying the physical effects
of being in a relationship. They discovered there was more to it than their hearts
both skipping a beat at the sight of each other.
Study leader Professor Emilio Ferrer, said: 'Weve seen a lot of research that one
person in a relationship can experience what the other person is experiencing
emotionally, but this study shows they also share experiences at a physiological
level.'
The team conducted a series of exercises on 32 straight couples, who were
connected to heart rate and respiration monitors. They were asked to sit a few feet
away from each other in a quiet, calm room but not to speak or touch. At one point
they were told to mirror the movements of one another.
The data revealed both partners showed similar patterns of heart rate and
respiration, but women tended to adjust theirs to their partners more.
'In other words, we found that women adjust in relationship to their partners,' said
Jonathan Helm, a UC Davis doctoral student.
'Her heart rate is linked to her partners. I think it means women have a strong link
to their partners - perhaps more empathy.'
The couples were then mixed up and performed the same exercises with a
stranger. This time their hearts did not show synchrony, nor did their breathing
closely match.
It follows a study at Denmark's Aarhus University that found watching a friend go
through a stressful situation can synchronise both of your heart rates.
In the experiment, when a spectator observed a relative or friend walk across hot
coals, both the onlooker and performer's heart rates changed at the same time.
The research, published in PNAS, suggests social bonds are more powerful than
people may realise.
Study leader Ivana Konvalinka, said the results show that 'we can find markers of
emotional connectedness in bodily measures as well - it's not just a cognitive
effect.'
Mr Helm said of the latest study that his team are not yet sure why couples mimic
each other and will next study whether there could be any health benefits.
The research has been published in the American Psychological Association journal
Emotion.