Loneliness, blood pressure linked

CHICAGO – Loneliness in people over 50 greatly increases their risk of high blood pressure, researchers say in the latest study to underscore the health advantages of friends and family.

The loneliest people studied had blood pressure readings as much as 30 points higher than those who weren’t lonely, suggesting loneliness can be as bad for the heart as being overweight or inactive, the researchers said.

“The magnitude of this association is quite stunning,” said University of Chicago scientist Louise Hawkley, the study’s lead author.

Earlier research has suggested that more than 11 million Americans over 50 often feel isolated, left out or lacking companionship. Hence, the study could have substantial public health implications if it can be shown that reducing loneliness can lower people’s blood pressure, said Richard Suzman, director of a behavioral research program at the National Institute on Aging, which helped fund the study.

Hawkley said the findings hint that one strategy for treating high blood pressure might be to get more involved.

The study of 229 Chicago-area men and women ages 50 to 68 appears in the March issue of the journal Psychology and Aging.

The results build on earlier research by co-author John Cacioppo, who found that in younger adults loneliness was linked with blood vessel problems that could lead to high blood pressure.

The research “says something about the importance of social connection in our everyday lives,” said Cacioppo, a psychology professor. “Part of living a healthy life is paying attention to friends and family.”

Study participants were asked to rate the degree to which they lacked companionship. The strongest link to blood pressure was in the 15 percent of participants who were very lonely. Their systolic blood pressure was 10 to 30 points higher than in people who weren’t lonely.

Loneliness was strongly linked to high blood pressure even when conventional risk factors such as weight, smoking and alcohol consumption were considered.

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