Marriage May Protect Against CVD and Associated Risk of Death

80% of cardiovascular disease risk factors can be attributed to age, sex, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes. However, it is unclear for the remaining 20% of risk factors.

A study has revealed that compared with people who were married, those who were not (never married, divorced, widowed), were at a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular disease (42%) and coronary artery heart disease (16%). In addition, divorce was associated with a 35% higher risk of developing heart disease for both men and women, while widowers of both sexes were 16% more likely to have a stroke.

Some reasons why marriage may be protective include earlier recognition of and response to; health problems, better adherence to medication, better financial security, enhanced wellbeing and better friendship networks.

However, future research should determine if the marital status is a surrogate marker for other adverse health behaviour or cardiovascular risk profiles, or whether marital status can be considered as a risk factor by itself.