According to a recent study, cardiovascular damage in couples with turbulent marriages may cause more damage in women than in men.
Although both individuals in a couple who are constantly arguing and upsetting each other undergo equal sentimental stress, it is women who have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, blood sugar [control blood sugar levels] and cholesterol, which comes under the definition of “metabolic syndrome”.
This syndrome will increase the probability of heart disorders, diabetes and strokes, more so in women than in men. The study found a definite link to the negative atmosphere in unsuccessful marriages, which leads to depression in relation with metabolism syndrome.
This study included couple who had been married for an average of 27 years and who were around the age of 54. Issues such as arguing, disagreements on everyday family problems such as kids, money, sex and family relations were covered, as well as other more positive aspects of marriage including sharing, love and mutual assistance.
The results showed that most of the couples were happy together, but a small percentage did show symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Although men became just as depressed due to marriage disputes and worries, only women were associated with the connection between depression and metabolic syndrome.
These results could be related to the fact that women ponder over the depressing aspects of marriage longer than men do, thus incurring in a higher risk of developing heart disease.
These results could help better understand how our state of mind influences the biological process and develops into metabolic syndrome, although further research is needed to confirm these initial findings.
