The statement also highlights the lack of data on interventions that could improve heart health in isolated or lonely people. It was published Aug 4 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Nearly a quarter of US adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and as many as 47% may be lonely, according to AHA.
The risk rises with age due to such factors as retirement and widowhood.
To investigate the relationship between social isolation and heart, blood vessel and brain health, the writing group reviewed research on social isolation published through July 2021. The review found
Social isolation and loneliness are frequent but under-appreciated factors that affect the heart, blood vessels and brain.
Lack of social connections is associated with a higher risk of premature death from any cause, particularly in men.
Folks who were less socially connected were more likely to exhibit physical symptoms of chronic stress. Isolation and loneliness are linked to increased inflammation.
When evaluating risk factors for social isolation, it is important to remember that depression may cause isolation, and isolation may make depression more likely.
Social isolation in childhood is linked to increased heart health risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels.
Transportation, housing, family discontent, the pandemic and natural disasters are a few social and environmental factors that have affect social interactions.
But a Harvard University survey suggests the loneliest generation is Gen Z — 18- to 22-year-olds — which also may be the most isolated. A possible reason: They spend more time on social media and less time engaging in meaningful in-person activities.
And the pandemic appears to have made matters worse among younger and older adults, as well as women and the poor.
“Although social isolation and feeling lonely are related, they are not the same thing,” chief administrator for health equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of California San Diego Health.
Individuals can lead a relatively isolated life and not feel lonely, and conversely, people with many social contacts may still experience loneliness
There is strong evidence linking social isolation and loneliness with increased risk of worse heart and brain health in general; however, the data on the association with certain outcomes, such as heart failure, dementia and cognitive impairment is sparse
The strongest evidence points to a connection between social isolation, loneliness, and death from heart disease and stroke, with a 32% higher risk of stroke and death from stroke and a 29% higher heart attack risk.
Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with worse prognosis in individuals who already have coronary heart disease or stroke
Along with behaviors that have a detrimental effect on heart and brain health, isolation and loneliness are linked to lower levels of self-reported physical activity and a lower intake of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, numerous large studies have found significant links between loneliness and a higher likelihood of smoking.
“There is an urgent need to develop, implement and evaluate programs and strategies to reduce the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness on cardiovascular and brain health, particularly for at-risk populations,” said in an AHA news release
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