A new major Chinese-British scientific study reveals that both social isolation and especially loneliness increase the risk of heart failure. The study shows that the degree of feeling alone is the most significant factor, even more so than actual social isolation. Previous research has already established social isolation and loneliness as significant cardiovascular risk factors, but this new study particularly emphasizes their correlation with heart failure. Social isolation refers to the absence of social connections and relationships, while loneliness refers to the distress of insufficient real social interaction, even when surrounded by others.
Dr. Jihui Zhang of Guangzhou Medical University led the research team that published their findings in the American College of Cardiology’s journal “JACC: Heart Failure.” The team analyzed medical records of approximately 465000 middle-aged and elderly individuals, with an average age of 57, over a period of at least 12 years. Out of these individuals, nearly 12900 had been diagnosed with heart failure.
The study found that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of heart failure by 15% to 20%. If a person is socially isolated but doesn’t feel lonely, the risk is lower compared to when they feel lonely. Loneliness is a significant factor even when a person is not socially isolated. Both loneliness and social isolation are more prevalent in men than women. Additionally, if a person smokes and is obese, their risk of heart failure is further elevated.
“The findings show that the incidence of subjective loneliness is more significant than that of objective social isolation. Our results show that when loneliness is present, social isolation is no longer important for the onset of heart failure. Loneliness is a stronger factor of psychological stress than social isolation and is common in people who are hostile or have stressful social relationships,” said Dr. Edwards. Zhang.