Scientists from the European Society of Cardiology have emphasized that loneliness sits among major risk factors for heart disease, alongside diet, physical activity, smoking, and depression. This conclusion comes from research published in the ESC journal, a key resource for cardiovascular health insights.
The study highlights that the quality of social interactions may matter more for heart health in people living with diabetes. Lu Qi, a scientist affiliated with the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, notes that loneliness should not be dismissed when considering physical and emotional well being. His guidance is practical: individuals with diabetes who feel lonely should seek groups and connect with others who share similar interests, a strategy that may bolster both social support and health outcomes.
More than 18,000 British adults aged 37 to 73 participated in the study. Researchers looked at several factors, including body mass index, physical activity, dietary patterns, alcohol use, smoking status, medication, and blood pressure, to gauge loneliness and its association with heart disease. The analysis tracked health outcomes over a ten-year period, during which more than 3,000 participants developed heart disease, including coronary heart disease or stroke. This longitudinal perspective helps illustrate how loneliness can play a meaningful role in cardiovascular risk alongside conventional markers.
The findings showed that individuals scoring high on loneliness assessments faced about a 26 percent higher risk of developing heart disease compared with those scoring lower on loneliness measures. In people with diabetes, the impact of traditional biological risk factors such as poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and impaired kidney function was more pronounced among those who lived alone. The researchers advocate including questions about loneliness in routine assessments, with referrals to mental health services when needed, to support comprehensive care.
In related observations, Australian researchers have reported that moderate coffee consumption may be linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, with two cups of coffee per day associated with a notable decrease in risk. This hint at a protective effect adds another layer to the broader conversation about lifestyle choices and heart health, highlighting the interconnected roles of social well being, daily habits, and cardiovascular risk management.
Healthy cardiovascular care in the United States and Canada increasingly recognizes loneliness as a meaningful social determinant of health. Medical professionals are encouraged to screen for loneliness as part of routine risk assessments, particularly for individuals with diabetes, older adults, and people facing social isolation. The evolving stance emphasizes integrating social support strategies with traditional medical care to improve outcomes and quality of life. By fostering community connections, encouraging participation in group activities, and connecting patients with supportive networks, clinicians can help reduce loneliness-related risk and support long-term heart health.