Marriage May Make Hearts Healthier
By Chauncey Crandall, M.D.
Married people have less risk of cardiovascular disease, no matter if they are male or female, young or old, or even if they have other heart disease risk factors.
That’s the conclusion of a research team at NYU Langone Medical Center, who undertook the largest analysis ever on the effect of marital status on cardiovascular problems, which included heart disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, and abdominal aneurysm.
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The research team analyzed surveys of more than 3.5 million American men and women between the ages of 21 and 102, with an average age of 65. They found that overall, married people had a 5% lower risk of having any cardiovascular disease.
The researchers also found that people who were widowed had a 3% higher risk of suffering cardiovascular disease and 7% higher odds of coronary artery disease. Divorce was also linked with a higher likelihood of these diseases.
Experts suggest married couples may do better because they tend to look out for one another and make sure their partner eats healthy, exercises, and keeps their doctor’s appointments.