Home / Health / Cardiologist Shares Surprising Heart Health Secret: Social Connections
Cardiologist Shares Surprising Heart Health Secret: Social Connections
15 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Emotional stress is an often overlooked factor in heart problems
- Lack of social connections can negatively impact emotional and physical health
- Depressed mood is now considered a cardiac risk factor like high cholesterol
According to cardiologists, maintaining a healthy social life may be just as important for heart health as physical factors like diet and exercise. In a recent report, experts warn that emotional stress and social isolation are often overlooked contributors to heart problems.
Dr. Roy Ziegelstein, a cardiologist, explains that many people in the US are "quite socially isolated," and not having friends and family to socialize with can have detrimental effects. He notes that "heart health is not just the physical health, but also, the emotional health." Studies have shown a clear link between social isolation and negative mood states like depression, which are now considered cardiac risk factors on par with high cholesterol or hypertension.
While physical habits like regular exercise and a plant-based diet are crucial for heart health, cardiologists emphasize the importance of maintaining strong social connections as well. Developing daily healthy routines and focusing on emotional wellbeing can work together to reduce the risk of heart disease.
