Social isolation and risk of fatal cardiovascular events

Abstract

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, 2020, in-person contact with family members, friends, and colleagues has been heavily restricted. These mitigation measures can worsen pre-existing social isolation.1 In this phase of widespread insecurity, evidence on the prevalence and cardiovascular consequences of social isolation represents an important guideline for estimating the health consequences of COVID-19. Despite continuous therapeutic progress, coronary heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death globally.