Key result
Social isolation linked to ~129% greater risk of arterial stiffening.
Why the study?
Social isolation is linked to adverse health outcomes, but its relationship with arterial stiffness remains unclear.
Does social isolation increase arterial stiffness in older adults attending a cardiovascular outpatient clinic?
Cross-Sectional (n=357)
Does social isolation increase arterial stiffness in older adults attending a cardiovascular outpatient clinic?
Social isolation is significantly associated with increased arterial stiffness in older adults, suggesting a potential mechanism linking social isolation to increased cardiovascular risk.
Hypothesis-generating for social isolation and arterial stiffening in older CV outpatients; prospective trials needed before clinical adoption.
Social isolation is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. However, its relationship with arterial stiffness, a marker of vascular aging and cardiovascular risk, remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between social isolation and arterial stiffness in patients aged 55 years or older attending a cardiovascular outpatient clinic. This cross-sectional study included 357 patients (mean age: 72.0 ± 7.6 years; 204 men). Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), and arterial stiffness was assessed using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The LSNS-6 total score was significantly and negatively correlated with baPWV (r = -0.19, p < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders (β = -0.146, p = 0.002). Patients with an LSNS-6 total score < 12 had a significantly higher prevalence of arterial stiffening (baPWV ≥ 1800 cm/s) than did those with an LSNS-6 total score ≥ 12 (46.7% vs. 34.5%; p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis revealed that an LSNS-6 total score < 12 was significantly associated with increased risk of arterial stiffening (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.21-4.33; p = 0.01). Although no significant sex interaction was observed, the association appeared stronger in men. These findings suggest that addressing social isolation may serve as a potential strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.
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Maruhashi et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular outpatient clinic patients (n=357). Social isolation (LSNS-6 total score <12) vs. No social isolation (LSNS-6 total score ≥12) was evaluated on Arterial stiffening (baPWV ≥1800 cm/s) (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.21-4.33, p=0.01). Social isolation, defined as an LSNS-6 total score <12, was significantly associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffening compared to a score ≥12 (OR 2.29).
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