Scientists have found that if one spouse develops heart disease, it is highly likely that the other will also develop it.
The reason is that the occurrence of heart and vascular diseases is influenced by bad habits and unhealthy food, which are often common among spouses.
The study that led to this conclusion was conducted in China, where a survey was conducted of more than 5,000 couples aged 45 and above living in seven different regions from 2014 to 2016.
Survey respondents were asked to report on their health and the health of their significant other, including information on blood pressure, body mass index, lifestyle, etc.
As a result, the researchers were able to establish that the likelihood of developing heart disease is associated with lifestyle and health status.
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease in one spouse increases more than twofold if the other already has this problem.
Experts suggest that this may be due to the fact that bad habits, including poor nutrition, smoking, lack of sleep, etc., are often common among spouses.
Interestingly, the relationship between a partner's history of heart disease and personal risk was stronger in men.
A total of 28% of men whose wives had heart problems also experienced this problem.
The researchers believe the differences between the sexes may be due to women playing a more significant role in shaping the family diet.
The researchers hope the findings may motivate couples to work on improving their lifestyle, including diet and physical activity, to help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.
