Social Isolation Endangers Brain and Heart Health
Social isolation is a modifiable risk factor that can lead to a decline in brain and heart health. This is why science is investigating the causes of this phenomenon.
In an article published in the Spanish journal “Cuadernos de Medicina del Deporte,” author Isabelle Gallardo Bonet highlights that stroke is the second leading cause of death in Spain, the primary cause of acquired disability in adults, and the second leading cause of dementia, according to data from the Spanish Society of Neurology. Annually, between 110,000 and 120,000 people suffer a stroke in Spain.
Among the most common risk factors for stroke, according to the clinical portal of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, some are non-modifiable while others can be controlled:
Age: Starting at age 55, the risk of stroke doubles with each decade.
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Smoking
High cholesterol levels
Alcohol and drug use
Sex: Men are more likely to have a stroke than women.
Heart disease
Family history
The author adds that the best way to prevent stroke is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including regularly monitoring blood pressure, controlling weight, reducing waist circumference, exercising, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
