How being married cuts risk of heart attacks for women

Single and divorced people most at risk of fatal heart attacks, study claims
  • Better finances, health and support help married people combat risks
By Jenny Hope
Being married cuts your risk of having a heart attack and makes you more likely to survive cardiac arrest if it does happen - especially if you're the wife.
A new study reveals single and divorced people have the highest risk of fatal attacks at any age, with a greater chance of dying before getting to hospital.
Women who have tied the knot are least at risk of a fatal heart attack, according to research
The study is significant as most research suggests marriage may protect the health of men more than women.

Experts say the benefits come from a positive effect on lifestyle, with married couples having more money, better health habits and social support than singles.
Unmarried people are also more likely to suffer depression, which has been shown to hamper recovery from heart attack.
The large study from Finland found the benefits occurred as early as middle age, with couples who were married and cohabiting more likely to survive heart attacks at any stage.

 
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