Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Background: Inadequate social connection has been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and mortality. There are insufficient and conflicting data on whether sex differences play a role in this relationship. Therefore, we sought to further examine the relationship between sex, social isolation, and these subsequent events.
Methods: We analyzed Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and RAND data collected biennially from 8,987 individuals enrolled from 2004-2020 who completed at least 1 Leave Behind Questionnaire (LBQ). Social isolation was determined from LBQ data using a previously validated 6-item scale where scores of 3 or greater indicated social isolation. Development of ASCVD was classified as new self-reported myocardial infarction or stroke at any follow-up assessment. Mortality was determined with RAND longitudinal data, which was available for all individuals. We examined the incidence of ASCVD in socially isolated and not socially isolated individuals using a cumulative incidence function accounting for the competing risk of death.
Results: Mean age at baseline LBQ survey was 55.7 years and 43% of the sample were male. In the sample, 23% identified as Black, 63% identified as White, and 13% identified as Other. Social isolation was present in 1,653 (18%) individuals at their baseline survey. ASCVD developed in 484 (5%) participants, and 593 (7%) participants died over the study’s follow-up period. Cumulative incidence analysis showed no significant difference in ASCVD incidence between socially isolated and non-socially isolated groups for either sex (male p-value: 0.15; female: 0.09) (Figure). However, the incidence of death was significantly increased for both socially isolated sexes (male p-value: <0.001; female: <0.001).
Conclusion: While socially isolated participants were not at significantly increased risk of incident ASCVD, they were at significantly increased risk of mortality, irrespective of sex. This highlights the need for continued public health initiatives that foster social connection to enhance the well-being of the general population. The study is limited by reliance on self-report for ASCVD, which may underestimate disease incidence.