Association between social isolation and increased arterial stiffness in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Social isolation is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. However, its relationship with arterial stiffness, a marker of vascular aging and cardiovascular risk, remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between social isolation and arterial stiffness in patients aged 55 years or older attending a cardiovascular outpatient clinic. This cross-sectional study included 357 patients (mean age: 72.0 ± 7.6 years; 204 men). Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), and arterial stiffness was assessed using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The LSNS-6 total score was significantly and negatively correlated with baPWV (r = -0.19, p < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders (β = -0.146, p = 0.002). Patients with an LSNS-6 total score < 12 had a significantly higher prevalence of arterial stiffening (baPWV ≥ 1800 cm/s) than did those with an LSNS-6 total score ≥ 12 (46.7% vs. 34.5%; p = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis revealed that an LSNS-6 total score < 12 was significantly associated with increased risk of arterial stiffening (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.21-4.33; p = 0.01). Although no significant sex interaction was observed, the association appeared stronger in men. These findings suggest that addressing social isolation may serve as a potential strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.