Loneliness doubles the risk of stroke

Research has found that adults age 50 and older who have experienced chronic isolation had a 56 per cent increased risk of stroke compared to those who consistently said they were not lonely.

Those who have been through situational loneliness did not have a higher risk of stroke, suggesting that the impact on health happens over a long-term period.

Previous studies have linked loneliness to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, but few examined the specific effect on strokes.

Dr Yenee Soh, lead author of the study at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health , said: "Loneliness is increasingly considered a major public health issue. Our findings further highlight why that is.

"Especially when experienced chronically, our study suggests loneliness may play an important role in stroke incidence, which is already one of the leading causes of long-term disability and mortality worldwide."

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