Recent Blog Articles
Drug recalls are common
Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods
Prostate cancer in transgender women
Why eat lower on the seafood chain?
Can long COVID affect the gut?
When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?
Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights
Slowing down racing thoughts
Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?
3 ways to create community and counter loneliness
Mind & Mood
Loneliness and isolation raise risk for stroke and heart disease, study suggests
News Briefs
Image: diego_cervo/Thinkstock
A high-stress job and anxiety have long been recognized as risk factors for coronary artery disease and stroke. Now a study published online April 19, 2016, by the journal Heart suggests that loneliness and isolation are just as dangerous. Researchers analyzed the data from 23 studies that involved more than 180,000 adults over periods ranging from three to 21 years. They noted that loneliness or social isolation was associated with a 29% higher risk of coronary artery disease and a 32% higher risk of having a stroke. The study doesn't prove that loneliness or social isolation causes these problems, but it adds to concerns about loneliness, which has already been linked to a compromised immune system, high blood pressure, and even an early death. Best way to fight back: reach out to loved ones and friends, volunteer at a local charity, join a spiritual community, or hire a companion.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
