Women with lonely hearts risk diseased hearts

William Atkins
Sunday, 23 August 2009 18:09

Science - Health

Their conclusion, as found within the paper’s abstract, stated, “Loneliness was prospectively associated with increased risk of incident CHD, controlling for multiple confounding factors. Loneliness among women may merit clinical attention, not only due to its impact on quality of life but also its potential implications for cardiovascular health.”

Dr. Thurston stated, “I was particularly intrigued by the documented findings that people can feel lonely despite having many people in their lives. When it comes to loneliness, it’s not just how many friends you have, but also how supported you feel. You can have a lot of people around you and still feel lonely.” [MSNBC: “New study shows a pained heart may lead to actual heart damage”]

The study was published on August 6, 2009, in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, under the title “Women, Loneliness, and Incident Coronary Heart Disease.”

For more information on coronary heart disease in women, please go to the Website of the American Family Physician: "Coronary Artery Disease Prevention: What's Different for Women?"

The article begins by stating: "Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, as well as an important cause of disability, although many women and their physicians underestimate the risk."

"Exercise, hypertension treatment, smoking cessation and aspirin therapy are effective measures for the primary prevention of coronary artery disease in women."