Peer Support and Cardiovascular Health: The Heart Foundation ’s MyHeart MyLife Online Support Community

Loneliness and social isolation have a significant impact on an individual ’s psychological wellbeing, physical health, and life expectancy [1]. The connection between social isolation and cardiovascular disease is well documented. A recent analysis of 458,146 participants from the UK Biobank revealed that both loneliness and social isolation were independently associate d with a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or any cause [2]. Those who lived alone and without visitors faced a 39% higher risk of premature death and a 53% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who received daily visits from family and friends [2].
Source: Heart, Lung and Circulation - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Heart Foundation Source Type: research