Association between cumulative loneliness and risk of cardiovascular diseases in middle-aged and older adults: A longitudinal study

Objective

Previous longitudinal studies have investigated the association between baseline loneliness and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Nevertheless, the cumulative effect of loneliness on CVD remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between the cumulative duration of loneliness and the risk of CVD in middle-aged and older adults.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

The study utilized data from a sample of 8353 adults aged 45 years and older who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Loneliness was assessed biennially between 2011 and 2015, and categorized into four groups: never, one time point, two time points, and three time points. The Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Model was employed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Following a mean follow-up period of 4.7 years (standard deviation: 0.7 years), a total of 1314 cases of CVD were identified, including 913 cases of heart disease and 504 cases of stroke. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, individuals who experienced loneliness at one time point (HR, 1.21; 95 % CI: 1.06, 1.38), two time points (HR, 1.23; 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.45), and three time points (HR, 1.50; 95 % CI: 1.19, 1.89) had a significantly higher risk of developing CVD compared to those who never experienced loneliness.

Conclusions

Cumulative loneliness was associated with increased risk of CVD in middle-age and older adults. Additional research is warranted to delve into the underlying mechanisms, while it is advisable to contemplate social interventions aimed at addressing loneliness.