Work

Marital status and outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The national burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to impose significant risk of morbidity, mortality and increased costs. While traditional risk factors have been well-established, the evolving role of non-traditional risk factors, including socioeconomic and psychosocial factors, is increasingly being recognized. Several studies have acknowledged an association between marital status and the presence of CVD and its associated adverse outcomes. Across multiple U.S. and international cohorts, patients who are unmarried, including those who are divorced, separated, widowed, or never married, have an increased rate of adverse cardiovascular events when compared to their married counterparts. Some studies suggest that marriage may have a more protective role for men compared to women. Furthermore, dissatisfaction in a marriage and marriage quality have significant impact on cardiovascular risk. Psychosocial and socioeconomic factors, as well as other acute stressors, may contribute to the association between marital status and CVD outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms are not completely clear. Further investigation is required to identify potential targets for intervention and to determine whether more aggressive targeting of standard anti-atherosclerotic therapies can favorably impact CVD risk in unmarried patients.

Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2019.05.012

Authors: Devinder Singh Dhindsa, Jay Khambhati, William M. Schultz, Ayman Samman Tahhan, Arshed A. Quyyumi

Institutions: Emory University, Northwestern University

Language: English

Topic: Family Dynamics and Relationships

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,850