Happy Marriage cuts Stroke Risk in Men

Men who are happily married may be less likely to die from a stroke, the results of a new study indicate.

This is the first study of its kind to assess the quality of a marriage and its association with stroke risk. Some 10,000 men were surveyed about their marital status and happiness levels in the 1960s. They were then followed up 34 years later, to find out how many had died from a stroke.

The researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel found that single men had a 64% increased risk of suffering a fatal stroke compared to married men. However, the quality of the marriage appeared to matter as well.

Those in unhappy marriages had a 64% increased risk of suffering a fatal stroke compared to those who were happy in their marriages.

The results took into account factors such as age and cholesterol levels. However lead researcher, Prof Uri Goldbourt, emphasised that these are only preliminary results. The survey looked at fatal strokes only and did not include women.

However, Prof Goldbourt hopes that his research will be taken up by younger researchers and used as the foundation for further studies in this area.

While many studies today report the benefits of marriage, the negative effects of an unhappy marriage may be hidden. Prof Goldbourt suggested that an unhappy marriage may be just as bad for a person’s health as not being married at all.

“Happiness may very well likely create healthier men and reduce the risk of a fatal stroke, but we don't have all the information necessary to say that this is the magic bullet,” he said.

Previous studies have suggested that happiness can stave off the flu, promote positive cardiac health and may even help people fight cancer. However, much more research is needed on the happiness question, taking into account such factors as medication and the effects of happiness over time, Prof Goldbourt added.

"We have opened a new channel of research into factors associated with death-by-stroke risk. Until that research is done, the best way to avoid one is still to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Details of these findings were presented at the recent American Stroke Association’s International Conference.