Loneliness Linked To Higher Risk Of Heart Disease, Stroke

Adults who are socially isolated and report feeling lonely have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, and are susceptible to infection, based on an analysis of proteins in blood samples given to the UK Biobank by over 42,000 adults ages 40 to 69. Social isolation was defined as living alone, with infrequent social contact, or participation in social activities. Loneliness was identified via survey responses.

In total, the researchers found 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 associated with loneliness. About 85% of the proteins associated with loneliness were also associated with social isolation. Many of . . .