Loneliness linked with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke Published on: 26 April 2016 People who feel lonely or socially isolated are at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke, researchers from Âé¶¹´«Ã½ have concluded. The review involving Barbara Hanratty, Professor of Primary Care and Public Health in the found that loneliness and poor social relationships were associated with a 29 % increase in risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and a 32 % increase in risk of stroke. In the paper published in , the authors say efforts to prevent CHD and stroke may benefit from taking social isolation and loneliness into account. said: “This study emphasises the importance of loneliness and social isolation to public health. “In recent years, we have seen rapid changes in the way we interact with friends and family, and the number of single person households is increasing amongst the older population in particular. It is vital that we acknowledge and address the role of social relationships in promoting health and wellbeing and preventing disease.” Method The researchers undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis using data from previously published studies to investigate the association between loneliness or social isolation and incidents of CHD and stroke. They searched 16 electronic databases for long-term studies set in high-income countries and published up until May 2015. They screened over 32,000 references to identify the 23 studies suitable for analysis. A total of 4,628 incidents of CHD and more than 3,000 stroke events were recorded across the studies, which involved more than 180,000 people aged 18 or above. The work involved researchers from the University of York and was funded through a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) doctoral fellowship for Nicole Valtorta, supervised by Professor Hanratty. Âé¶¹´«Ã½ is a world leader in the field at its which is supported by the and the location for a new £40m . Reference Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies. Valtorta NK, Kanaan M ,Gilbody,S, Ronzi S, Hanratty B. BMJ Heart: Latest News Local knowledge can improve early warnings of glacial lake floods Local knowledge, improved evacuation preparedness and resilient mobile phone-based communication channels can enhance Early Warning Systems to reduce loss of life during glacial lake outburst floods. published on: 3 August 2026 Funding boost moves landmark cancer research centre a step closer A £1.25 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to Âé¶¹´«Ã½ has brought the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a significant step closer, giving a major boost to its fundraising campaign. published on: 3 August 2026 Statement on potential unauthorised data access Information about a potential unauthorised data access. published on: 30 July 2026 Facts and figures