Marriage is good for the heart according to a new study. Helps protect against heart disease and stroke, a new study suggests. The researchers analyzed data from 34 studies that were published between 1963 and 2015. They included more than 2 million people between the ages of 42 and 77 in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and Scandinavia.
The researchers found that, compared to married people, people who were never married, divorced or widowed had a 42% higher risk of cardiovascular disease; 16% higher risk of coronary heart disease; 42% higher risk of death from coronary heart disease; and a 55% increased risk of death from stroke. British researchers also found that, among both men and women, divorce was associated with a 35% increased risk of heart disease; and that widowers were 16% more likely to have a stroke.
There was no difference in the risk of death after a stroke between married and single people. But those who had never been married were 42% more likely to die after a heart attack than those who were married. The researchers said their findings suggest that marital status could be an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But the study did not show that marriage caused the drop in heart risks.
Marriage is good for the heart
«Future research should focus on whether marital status is a proxy for other adverse health behaviors or cardiovascular risk profiles; or whether marital status should be considered a risk factor in itself.» So said the team led by Mamas Mamas, a professor at Keele University in Stoke on Trent.
There are several theories as to why marriage can benefit people’s health. They include early detection and treatment of health problems; better adherence to medication regimens; greater financial security; improved well-being; and larger friendship networks.