The effect of social isolation, loneliness, and low social support on cardiovascular events

Abstract

Overview of the topic: Whilst social relationships are important determinants of health, lack of these relationships together with cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of death worldwide. Disrupted quality or quantity of social interactions may lead to poor health. Recent studies show that social isolation, loneliness, and poor social support are associated with incidence cardiovascular events. Understanding the correlation between these by applying interventions to minimize the effect, could help improve one’s overall health. The research question: Are adults without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), at risk of developing cardiovascular events (CVEs), if exposed to social isolation, loneliness, or low social support? PICO elements: The population (adult cohort with no pre-existing ASCVD conditions). Exposure (social isolation and/or low social support and/or loneliness). Comparison (non-isolated participants). Outcome (cardiovascular events). Methods: The literature search was conducted applying relevant keywords, synonyms, Boolean operators, and limiters, by utilising four different databases and by also applying a manual search. Only peer-reviewed full text English language literature published between 2015 and 2022 were eligible to inclusion. Only adults suffering from social isolation, and/or loneliness, and/or have low social support free from known chronic diseases or previous history of ASCVDs were taken in consideration. Studies evaluating any other outcomes besides cardiovascular events were excluded. PRISMA flow diagram was used to screen and evaluate the literature. The five key studies chosen were critically appraised with CASP Systematic Review Checklist and CASP Cohort Study Checklist. Results and conclusion: The links between the exposures analysed and cardiovascular events may be explained in part by health behaviours such as smoking, poor dietary intake, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse and depression. In conclusion, the five studies led to poor evidence of the findings due to the heterogeneity of the articles. It is critical to determine the degree to which social isolation and/or loneliness and/or low social support, are connected with risks of bad health behaviours. Future research is advised. Implications and recommendations: Increasing awareness and educating health personnel on the effects of social isolation and loneliness have on the patients and community members, can aid in the resolution of health issues. Awareness among the general public should also be raised. Early detection and treatment could help in avoiding deterioration. Multidisciplinary support is imperative, and nurses should work closely with different health practitioners specialised in different sectors and collaborate as one team. Further research in the local contest is recommended.