Social contacts are good for the heart

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that men who are socially isolated have higher levels of a protein that could be linked to heart disease.
Previous research has suggested that people with good social networks are somewhat protected from heart disease. Now a new study from Harvard School of Public Health links social isolation with elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a 'marker' for inflammation. It is thought that inflammation may play a role in the development of heart disease.

The report comes from the Framingham Heart Study, and covers 3,267 participants who were asked about their social networks as well as having levels of IL-6 and other inflammatory proteins measured. Men who were socially isolated had higher IL-6 levels than those who were not. The researchers think there could be two reasons for the link. Men who are isolated may have unhealthier lifestyles and this may raise IL-6. Or they may be more depressed or stressed than those who have friends to confide in. Other studies have shown that stress can increase IL-6 levels. It would be interesting to see if improving the social lives of those who are isolated could actually decrease IL-6 levels and perhaps protect against heart disease.

Source
American Heart Association meeting 1st May 2005