Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness on the Heart

Guest: Amir Lerman, M.D.

Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D.

Social isolation and loneliness are common, mainly in the elderly, and are regarded as major cardiovascular risk factors. The factors are associated with an increase in cardiovascular events and mortality. Additionally, social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased systemic inflammation and progression of atherosclerosis

Topics Discussed:

• How do you identify social isolation?


• Mechanism of social isolation and loneliness on CV health


• Prevalences and risk of social isolation and loneliness


• Findings of a recent study from Mayo Clinic


• Case story: the Roseto effect


• Potential therapy

Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices.

LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services

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Podcast episode transcript found here.