May 1, 2005
View Full PaperSocial Network and Coronary Artery Calcification in Asymptomatic Individuals
Key Result
Social isolation, such as being single or widowed, was independently associated with an elevated risk for the presence of coronary artery calcification (adjusted OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.05-3.10 for being single).
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=783)
Structured PICO
Are social network indices associated with the presence of coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic individuals?
P
Population
783 asymptomatic individuals (mean age 57.4 years, 47% female) who underwent coronary artery calcification imaging.
E
Exposure
Social isolation indicators (being single or widowed)
C
Comparator
Individuals who are not socially isolated (e.g., married)
O
Outcome
Presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) assessed by electron beam tomographysurrogate
Social isolation, such as being single or widowed, is independently associated with the presence of coronary artery calcification, suggesting a mechanism linking limited social networks to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Result
Odds Ratio: 1.8 (95% CI 1.05–3.1)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors are associated with the development of coronary artery disease. However, studies examining psychosocial factors as risk indicators for coronary artery calcification (CAC) have been inconclusive. METHODS: Seven hundred eighty-three participants (mean age 57.4 +/- 9.3 years, 47% female) underwent CAC imaging using electron beam tomography. Psychosocial measures included social network (number of people in the household, marital status), socioeconomic status (education, income, and work status), history of depression, and current depressive symptoms as assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Assessments were also made for lipid profile, blood glucose, blood pressure, and health behaviors (smoking status, exercise, and diet). RESULTS: Calcification was present in 351 (44.8%) participants (CAC score range 0-3022; mean 111.5 +/- 307.2). Indicators of social isolation (being single or widowed) were independently associated with elevated risk for the presence of CAC, even after adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, and low-density lipoprotein (adjusted odds ratios 1.80, 95% confidence interval CI = 1.05-3.10, and 2.48, 95% CI = 1.02-6.03, respectively). By contrast, health behaviors, socioeconomic status, and depressive symptoms were not related to CAC. CONCLUSIONS: Social network indices such as being single or widowed are associated with CAC, independent of age and coronary risk factors. Because coronary calcification has been identified as a potential marker of early atherosclerosis, these findings may partially explain the predictive value of limited social networks for future adverse cardiovascular health outcomes.