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Social isolation, loneliness raise risk of death from heart attack or stroke by nearly a third

Researchers concluded: “Social isolation and loneliness are common and appear to be independent risk factors for worse cardiovascular and brain health; however, consistency of the associations varies by outcome. There is a need to develop, implement, and test interventions to improve cardiovascular and brain health for individuals who are socially isolated or lonely.”

‘Loneliness increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by almost a third, according to new research. Socially isolated individuals are about 30 percent more likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack — death from either.

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego also identified a lack of information on interventions that may boost the health of vulnerable individuals. The findings are based on data pooled from studies across the world over the past 40 years.’

“Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with worse prognosis in individuals who already have coronary heart disease or stroke,” says Cené.

People with heart disease who were socially isolated had a two to threefold increase in death during a six-year follow-up study. Socially isolated adults with three or fewer social contacts a month were up to 40 percent more likely to suffer recurrent strokes or heart attacks. In addition, five year heart failure survival rates were 60 and 62 percent lower for those who were socially isolated or both socially isolated and clinically depressed, respectively.

In the U.S., almost a quarter of over 65s are socially isolated, with prevalence of loneliness rising to nearly half. A Harvard University study describes 18 to 22 year olds, or “Gen Z,” as the “loneliest generation.” Increased isolation among younger adults has been blamed on higher social media use and less engagement in meaningful face to face activities.’

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