Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Happy marriage helps heart attack patients recover faster - Study

The research also found that a happy marriage was linked to better overall physical and mental health.

Happy marriage helps heart attack patients recover faster - Study

A study has found being in a happy marriage helps heart attack patients recover faster.

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that in contrast, a stressful marriage is linked to the slower recovery of heart patients.


According to the British Heart Foundation, heart and circulatory diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the UK. It kills 160,000 and causes 100,000 hospital admissions for heart attacks each year.

For the study, the experts looked at 1,593 married people with an average age of 47 who were treated for a heart attack, at 103 hospitals across the United States.

The participants’ marriages were reportedly evaluated using a questionnaire, called the Stockholm Marital Stress Scale.

Participants were asked if they have a satisfactory sex life, are experiencing any “serious relationship problems” and if their spouse is their “closest confidant”.

The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of how loving, happy, and stress-free their marriages were.

The health of the patients and recovery was closely monitored by doctors for 12 months after their heart attack.

It was found that patients with the most unhappy marriages were 67% more likely to report chest pains in comparison to those who had little or no marital stress.

Additionally, those patients who scored highest on the marital stress scale were found to be 50% more likely to get readmitted to the hospital for any reason over the next year.

Almost four in ten women reported severe marital stress, in contrast to three in ten men.

The study reportedly said this was “consistent with previous studies that show a greater burden of marital stress on the health of women”.

Women were found to be more affected by unhappy marriages.

Experts are of the opinion that this is because women are more likely to report severe marital stress than men which may explain the significant gender gap, meaning women are more likely to die from heart attacks.

Experts believe a happy marriage can help to speed up recovery because loving spouses encourage the taking of medicine, exercise, and cutting down on unhealthy habits, which help to keep the heart strong, The Times explains.

While on the other hand, unhappy marriages cause the release of increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which in turn increases heart rate and blood pressure, thereby potentially causing heart attacks.

The research also found that a happy marriage was linked to better overall physical and mental health.

Cenjing Zhu, lead author of the study is reported to have said: “Stress experienced in one’s everyday life, such as marital stress, may impact young adults’ recovery after a heart attack.”

The study which was presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Chicago, called for doctors to take into account whether patients were in a happy marriage to help inform their decisions on treatment.

Zhu adds, “Healthcare professionals need to be aware of personal factors that may contribute to cardiac recovery and focus on guiding patients to resources that help manage and reduce their stress levels.

“Future efforts should consider screening patients for everyday stress during follow-up appointments to help better identify people at high risk for low recovery or additional hospitalisation”.

Professor Nieca Goldberg, American Heart Association expert volunteer is quoted as saying, "This study highlights the importance of evaluating the mental health of cardiac patients and is consistent with previous studies that show a greater burden of marital stress on the health of women.

"A comprehensive approach to the care of cardiac patients that includes physical and mental health may transform the care of cardiac patients from the care of one organ to a patient's global health.

"The health care system should support the clinical assessment of both physical and mental health as that may lead to better outcomes and healthier lives for our patients," she concludes.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less