Couples ‘are less likely to die of heart disease’ if they get MARRIED young, study claims
Experts claim it is about people being supported in controlling health risk factors
BRITS at high-risk of heart disease are less likely to die young if married, a study reveals.
It found they had up to 16 per cent higher chance of survival five years on than singletons.
Experts at Aston Medical School in Birmingham looked at over a million adults with the three main risk factors for heart disease - high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
They then followed them up five years on.
The results show people with high cholesterol were 16 per cent more likely to be alive at the end of the study if they were married.
The same was true for diabetes and high blood pressure, with married people having 14 per cent and 10 per cent higher survival respectively compared to those who were single.
Lead researcher Dr Paul Carter said: “Our research suggests that marriage offers a protective effect, which is probably down to having support in controlling the key risk factors for heart disease.
“The findings shouldn’t be seen as a reason to get married, but rather as encouragement for people to build strong support networks with their families and friends.”
The research is being presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference in Manchester.
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Millions of older Brits take drugs for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
Experts think the support of a husband or wife helps patients take better care of themselves and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Fellow researcher Dr Rahul Potluri said: “Some of our earlier studies have shown that people who suffer a heart attack will have higher survival rates if they are married.
“This new study has helped to unpick some of the underlying factors behind this.”
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, said: “The relationships we develop are not only important for our well-being and living a fulfilling life, but it seems marriage is associated with a longer life too.
“The take-home message is that our social interactions, as well as medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, are important determinants of both our health and well-being.
“Whether you are married or not, if you have any of the main risk factors for heart disease then you can call upon loved ones to help you to manage them.”