Study Reveals The Sad Truth of Being Married: Staying Single Might Be Even Better For You Than Getting Married
Society often portrays single life negatively, but recent research suggests it might actually be healthier than being in a relationship. A study by American scientists indicates that married individuals are at a higher risk of developing hypertension.
In the United States, hypertension affects nearly half the population (48.1%, approximately 119.9 million people). This condition, when untreated, increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
The study found that married people have a 9% higher risk of hypertension compared to their single counterparts. Researchers advocate for joint screening and treatment programs for couples to address this issue collaboratively.
The research aimed to explore if the commonalities shared by married couples, such as interests, living conditions, and lifestyles, also extend to shared risks of high blood pressure. The team analyzed blood pressure data from 1,086 couples in England and thousands more in the US, China, and India.
A person was classified as hypertensive if their systolic blood pressure was above 140 mm Hg, diastolic pressure over 90 mm Hg, or if they reported a history of high blood pressure.
In England, 47% of couples showed signs of high blood pressure, a figure higher than in the US (38%), China (21%), and India (20%). The average age of these couples was 74.2 for husbands and 72.5 for wives.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, revealed that if one spouse has high blood pressure, the other is 9% more likely to have it too. This pattern was consistent for both husbands and wives.
Experts suggest that tackling hypertension might be more effective through couple-based strategies, such as joint screening and lifestyle programs.
Bethany Barone Gibbs, an associate professor at West Virginia University’s School of Public Health, warns:
“If your spouse has hypertension, you are more likely to have hypertension, too.
“Following this idea, making lifestyle changes, such as being more active, reducing stress or eating a healthier diet, can all reduce blood pressure; however, these changes may be difficult to achieve and, more importantly, sustain if your spouse or partner are not making changes with you.”
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