Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for CVD: implications for evidence-based patient care and scientific inquiry

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Abstract
A recent meta-analysis has shown that loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke.1 These latest findings, specific to cardiovascular outcomes, are consistent with substantial research indicating broad health risks (eg, immune functioning, cardiovascular functioning, cognitive decline) associated with the quantity and quality of social relationships—including several meta-analyses documenting mortality risk.2 , 3 In the most comprehensive of these,3 the overall odds for mortality was 1.50, similar to the risk from light smoking and exceeding the risks conferred by hypertension and obesity. Thus, the epidemiological data suggest that having more and better quality social relationships is linked to decreased health risks and having fewer and poorer quality relationships increased risk.2 , 3

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