Heart disease is an increasingly common issue in today’s society. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and various studies have shown that it can impact people differently depending on their marital status.

In this article, we will explore the various ways in which marriage can increase survival rates for heart disease patients.

Marriage and Emotional Support

One of the primary ways in which marriage helps heart disease patients is through emotional support. Studies have found that married individuals tend to have better emotional well-being and are less likely to feel lonely or isolated.

Emotional distress such as stress, anxiety, and depression can increase the risk of heart disease and make it worse. Having a supportive partner can help reduce emotional stress and improve the overall emotional well-being of the heart disease patient, potentially leading to a better outcome.

Shared Responsibilities in Marriage

Marriage also involves shared responsibilities and duties. A spouse can help reduce the burden of daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands, all of which can be stressful for heart disease patients.

This support can help reduce their daily stressors, allowing them to focus on managing their health instead. Sharing responsibilities can also help reduce the workload of the heart disease patient, which could be beneficial for individuals who need to make lifestyle changes to improve their health.

For example, adopting a healthy diet or exercise routine may prove challenging for some heart disease patients, but with the help of their spouse, they can make the necessary changes more quickly and effectively.

Married Couples Tend to Lead Healthier Lives

In general, married couples tend to lead healthier lifestyles than unmarried individuals.

As such, married individuals are less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or excessive drinking, which are known risk factors for heart disease. Married couples also tend to exercise more frequently and maintain healthier diets.

This healthier lifestyle can have a substantial impact on the survival rates of heart disease patients as it can help them manage their symptoms better and reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Marriage Encourages Regular Check-Ups

Marriage can also encourage heart disease patients to receive regular check-ups and doctor appointments.

Spouses can remind and even accompany their partner to their appointments, which can help ensure the patient receives the necessary medical care and medication. In addition, couples are more likely to communicate about health concerns and take proactive steps to manage them early on.

Marriage Promotes Faster Recovery

Heart disease can be a life-changing event for individuals and their families. The road to recovery can be lengthy, and the journey can be challenging.

Research suggests that married individuals tend to recover from illnesses and surgeries faster compared to unmarried individuals. This can be attributed to the emotional and physical support that a spouse provides. Having a supportive partner can help reduce postoperative pain and stress, leading to a faster recovery and improved survival rates.

Marriage can also provide access to social support groups. Social support groups offer heart disease patients an opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences.

By joining support groups, patients can share their feelings, concerns, and gain new knowledge about their condition. This can help reduce stress and improve both emotional and physical well-being. Marriage provides a built-in support group for individuals who may not feel comfortable seeking support outside of their household.

Conclusion

Marriage can have a notable impact on the survival rates of heart disease patients. The emotional support, shared responsibility, healthier lifestyles, regular check-ups, and faster recovery all contribute to a better outcome.

As such, it is imperative for healthcare providers to recognize the importance of social support and include spouses in the healthcare team for heart disease patients.