Loneliness linked to 30% increase in heart disease and stroke risk

Researchers say analysis backs up public health concerns about importance of social contacts for health and wellbeing

Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to a 30% increase in the risk of having a stroke or coronary artery disease, the two major causes of death and illness in wealthy societies.

In findings which compared the effects of loneliness with recognised risk factors, such as anxiety and a stressful job, researchers said that their analysis backed up public health concerns about the importance of social contacts for health and wellbeing.