Social Network and Stroke Risk

Abstract

See related article, p 2868. Humans are social animals. The quality and quantity of our relationships with other humans (social network) underpin our happiness and success.1 A social network structure also provides functional social support. It assists us emotionally and physically, informs and educates us, and improves our health-related choices and behaviors.2 But does it protect us from stroke? Several epidemiological studies have reported small social network and limited social support to be associated with an increased incidence of mortality, coronary heart disease, cancer, and mood disorders,3–13 but only 4 studies have examined the association with stroke and the results are conflicting.5,6,14,15 In the first study, of 2603 members of a US health maintenance organization, there was no difference in the 15-year incidence of stroke among those in the lowest versus highest tertile of social network indices.5 However, in the second study, of 32 624 US male health professionals, socially isolated men had an increased risk of stroke (relative risk, 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–4.35), which was dose-dependent ( P for trend=0.008).6 A subsequent study of 629 women with suspected myocardial infarction also found a higher rate of stroke among more socially isolated women than those with more social relationships (adjusted hazards ratio [HR], 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1–6.7). …