UL research sheds light on health impact of social isolation on those with cardiovascular disease

NEW research from University of Limerick has shed light on the negative health impact of social isolation for people with cardiovascular disease.

Results from the new international study revealed that loneliness increases the risk of premature death for those with cardiovascular diseases.

Published in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, the study found that people with cardiovascular disease that have higher levels of loneliness, social isolation, and that live alone, tend to die prematurely.

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Among the leading causes of death and disability in Ireland, cardiovascular disease refers to coronary heart disease, stroke, and other blood vessel diseases.

The research was led by Róisín Long, a student on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology at UL, under the supervision of Dr Páraic Ó Súilleabháin and Dr Ann-Marie Creaven.

Lead author and professional clinical psychologist, Róisín Long, explained: “Social health factors such as loneliness and social isolation have gained a significant amount of attention recently and are really important to think of within the context of cardiovascular health.”

According to Ms. Long, what was unclear is to what degree they impact how long people live when they have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

“Our review found that each of these factors are critically important to consider in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, as increased levels of loneliness, social isolation, and living alone appears to lead to premature death. There are likely several reasons for this, ranging from support from another individual to how an individual biologically responds to stress,” she added.

The review included studies that followed people for decades across multiple regions including Europe, North America, and Asia.

Notably, the effects of living alone appeared stronger in European countries, perhaps reflecting the large number of those living alone in parts of Europe.

Research coordinator on the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology and Director of the Personality, Individual Differences, and Biobehavioural Health Laboratory (Pathlab) at UL, Dr Páraic Ó Súilleabháin, commented: “This work provides very important insights into the importance of these factors in health and longevity. These are clear factors that need to be considered and resulting development of interventions for anyone with cardiovascular disease.”