briarrose Posted December 14, 2004 Report Share Posted December 14, 2004 Large Social Network May Help Women's HeartsWomen With Large Social Networks Have Lower Heart Disease RiskBy Jennifer WarnerWebMD Medical News Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MDon Thursday, December 02, 2004 Dec. 2, 2004 --- Having a large social network may help keep women's hearts healthy, according to new research.The study shows that women with suspected heart disease who had the smallest social networks die at twice the rate of those who had the largest networks of social support.Researchers also found women that had extensive social contacts and saw them often had lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and had lower rates of smoking and other factors that reduced their risk of heart disease. Although previous studies have linked social isolation to a higher risk of death, researchers say this study is among the first to identify a relationship between social support and risk of death in a group of women with suspected heart disease.The study appears in the November/December issue of Psychosomatic Medicine.Social Networks Keep Hearts HealthyIn the study, researchers followed 503 older women (average age 59) who were referred to a doctor for suspected heart disease. The women were evaluated and then followed for a little over two years.Researchers found half as many women who reported having a large social network died during the follow-up period as women who had the smallest social network, and the risk of dying decreased as the size of the women's social network increased.In addition, the study showed that women with a large social network consistently had lower heart disease risk factors, including:Lower blood glucose levels Lower smoking rates Less fat around the midsection (waist-hip ratio) Lower blood pressure rates Lower rates of diabetesWomen with large social networks also showed fewer signs of clogged arteries as shown by angiogram images.Researchers say the results reinforce the importance of evaluating social support networks in treating women at risk for heart disease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eillyre Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 I knew this forum had to be good for something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoGiuliana Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 Shows how vital a forum like this is, particularly for women experiencing isolating chronic illness.Thanks Briarrose for sharing this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tearose Posted December 15, 2004 Report Share Posted December 15, 2004 So this may be why I have low blood pressure??? I'm teasing!Thanks for telling us we are good medicine for each other! I wonder if those who leave for awhile really know we do think about them? Are they out there floating and unable to post? Do they need us to yell out to them? If you are someone out there who needs to be reminded...this means YOU! Then consider this your invitation to join in...I miss the spunky viewpoint of herdswoman and today is divine sparks' anniversary of joining date...hope you guys are okay.Thanks again for the thought spark briarrose, I needed once again to refresh my brain.Well, back to my work, tearose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.