A Stressful Marriage Means an Unhappy Heart

By Sally Finder-Koziol

An unhappy marriage can be hard on the heart—literally. A new study found that hardening of the coronary arteries may result when marital disagreements include hostility or controlling behavior. The research showed that when couples expressed hostility during disagreements over money, family, vacations, or household duties, they were more likely to have calcification of the arteries. The same was true for men or women who were dominant or controlling in their marriage.

“A low-quality relationship is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” says professor Tim Smith, one of the University of Utah researchers. To protect your arteries, pay attention to relationships.