Loneliness and Heart and Brain Health – Loneliness is feeling like you do not have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.

Loneliness contributes to heart disease by acting as a stressor, activating the body’s stress response system (HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system) which elevates cortisol, blood pressure, and inflammation, leading to blood vessel damage and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Loneliness and social isolation also promotes unhealthy behaviors like poor diet and inactivity, and can lead to higher levels of chronic inflammation, which accelerates the buildup of plaque in arteries.

The Journal of the American Heart Association found social isolation and loneliness are most strongly linked to heart disease and stroke, with a 29% increased risk for heart attack and/or death from heart disease and a 32% increased risk for stroke.

Biological Mechanisms of Loneliness and Heart and Brain Health

Stress Hormone Activation:
Loneliness is a form of chronic stress that activates the body’s stress hormone system.

Increased Blood Pressure:
This activation leads to increased blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance, putting strain on the cardiovascular system.

Inflammation:
Loneliness increases chronic inflammation, a process where immune cells become overactive, which can accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries (atherosclerosis).

Oxidative Stress:
The prolonged stress response can also lead to oxidative stress, further contributing to cellular damage and cardiovascular issues.

Changes in Proteins:
Studies have identified specific blood proteins whose levels increase as a direct consequence of loneliness, potentially linking the feeling to higher heart disease risk.

Behavioral Factors of Loneliness and Heart and Brain Health

Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices:
Lonely individuals may engage in less healthy behaviors that negatively impact cardiovascular health, such as reduced physical activity, poorer dietary choices (less fruit and vegetables), and higher rates of smoking.

Neglect of Symptoms:
Lonely people may be less likely to seek medical attention or pay attention to potential warning signs of heart problems.

Overall Impact

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events:
Loneliness is associated with a higher risk of death from heart attack and stroke.

Accelerated Disease Progression:
The biological and behavioral changes driven by loneliness can accelerate the progression of heart disease, even increasing the risk of heart failure.

Vulnerable Populations:
The impact of loneliness can be particularly significant for vulnerable populations, such as older adults who have experienced a loss of social connections.

What Can We Do About Loneliness and Heart and Brain Health

Socio-environmental factors likely play a role, according to the Journal of the American Heart Association. Factors such as transportation, living arrangements and dissatisfaction with family relationships, along with pandemics, and natural disasters, can contribute to how socially isolated or connected people are.

Studies show fitness programs and recreational activities at senior centers, along with programs that combat negative thinking, can help reduce social isolation and loneliness. However, more research into how such interventions could help is encouraged.

“Clinicians should ask patients about the frequency of their social activity and whether they are satisfied with their level of interactions with friends and family.” Further more, “They should then be prepared to refer people who are socially isolated or lonely – especially those with a history of heart disease or stroke – to community resources to help them connect with others.”

Take Action Now

✔️ Start a conversation.
Talk to friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers about Loneliness and Heart and Brain Health.

✔️ Connect with others on social media.
Use your time online to connect and interact with others instead of scrolling through posts. Set limited timeframes for reading the news.

✔️ Volunteer in your community.
Many organizations, including faith-based organizations, offer volunteer opportunities that can give you the chance to contribute to something that you find important.

✔️ Be kind to yourself.
Be gentle with yourself. Take time for yourself. Read, listen to music, exercise, or learn a new skill. Acknowledge your successes and give yourself a break. You are doing the best you can.

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