Loneliness Raises Heart Disease Risk as Much as Smoking.

A 2016 systematic review published in the journal Heart found that loneliness and social isolation raise your risk of heart attack by 29% and stroke by 32%—numbers comparable to the effects of light smoking or obesity. Researchers analyzed data from 23 studies involving over 181,000 adults, tracking heart attacks, strokes, angina, and cardiovascular deaths.

Lead author Dr. Nicole Valtorta from the University of York emphasized that loneliness weakens the immune system and raises blood pressure, likely fueling heart and brain disease. While the review was observational, it strongly suggests that social connection isn’t just emotional—it’s biological and lifesaving.

Protect your heart like your life depends on it—because it does. Stay connected, build community, and don’t ignore social isolation.