How Divorce Can Affect Heart Health, Especially for Women

For many people facing the end of their marriage, a divorce can be heart-breaking, in addition to heartbreaking. What does that mean? According to a study released by Duke University and covered by Forbes, divorce can have physical consequences for heart health, especially for women. 

In the study published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, researchers suggest the psychological stresses associated with divorce can cause significant physical damage to the cardiovascular system, with women being the most vulnerable. 

To conduct their study, Dupre and his team tracked individuals for 18 years, allowing for the proper assessment of the cumulative impact of changes in one’s marital status. He reported that while increased exposure to divorce puts both the health of men and women at increased risk for coronary disease, the incidence is higher for females. 

The researcher’s findings did not vary much statistically, even after Dupre and his team adjusted for other potential health risk factors, including age, social factors such as changes in jobs, economic status, and health insurance coverage, as well as physiological considerations, including body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes. 

So, does that mean divorce is the cause of these physical effects? Let’s find out. 

Divorce and the Risk of Heart Disease in Women Versus in Men

Along with colleagues, Duke University researcher Matthew Dupre found that women who divorced at least once were 24 percent more likely to experience a heart attack, compared with women who remained married. Moreover, females who divorced two or more times fell victim to cardiovascular disease 77 percent of the time.

The study also found that while males were subject to an increased risk of heart disease following divorce, the likelihood of a heart attack for them, according to the data, isn’t as great as it is for women. 

In other words, although the male participants were affected by divorce, the pattern for them differed from that of the women. Specifically, the study found that the men were at increased risk for heart disease only if they divorced two or more times. The men who experienced a single divorce did not, however, show a significant increase in risk compared to those who remained married.

This contrast points to gender differences in how stress from marital changes impacts heart health. While both men and women can experience physical consequences from divorce, women appear to be more sensitive to the repeated stress that multiple divorces create.

The Role of Remarriage in Heart Health

Remarriage also had a different impact on the heart health of men than it did on the women in the study. For the men who remarried, the risk of heart attacks did not increase, suggesting that a new partnership may provide emotional or social stability capable of mitigating stress. 

Women, however, did not see the same benefit. Even after remarrying, the likelihood of a cardiac event remained slightly higher than for divorced women, at 35%. 

The Effect of Divorce-Related Financial and Social Factors on Cardiovascular Disease

Researchers determined that changes in health insurance coverage or financial status as a result of a divorce were not the primary reason behind the increased incidence of heart attacks in female divorcees. That being said, there may be other factors related to divorce at play.

For example, other dramatic life changes brought about by divorce, such as dividing assets and selling the marital home, can lead to a loss of financial stability. The same can be said of social stability for one or both parties involved, which can decline or disappear when a couple parts ways. Not surprisingly, these situations can lead to increased stress, higher blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels, among other health issues.

Practical Steps for Heart Health After Divorce

That’s not to say people, and especially women, should avoid divorce as a way of preserving their hearts. They shouldn’t, especially if emotional or physical abuse is apparent. However, the report highlights the increased need for healthy eating habits and exercise, particularly for women going through divorce, to maintain their health. With this important goal in mind, here are some practical steps to consider:

• Monitor key health indicators with regular check-ups. Schedule regular doctor appointments to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Prioritize getting adequate sleep. Stress can disrupt sleep, which in turn affects cardiovascular health.
• Eat a balanced diet. Eat foods that support heart health, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein, while avoiding sugar and unhealthy fats, as each can elevate cholesterol and contribute to insulin resistance.
• Stay physically active. Even light activity, such as walking, can have significant benefits.
• Manage stress. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, meditation, or counseling into your routine. Addressing emotional stress can reduce its physiological impact on the body.

Because these factors work together, the more you can do to support your heart health during and after a divorce, the better. It could save your life.

Moving Forward After Divorce

Divorces are rarely resolved without their hiccups. Even an amicable divorce can bring on deep emotional pain, financial challenges, and a change in social status. The Duke University study reminds us that all of it, especially when happening simultaneously, can take its toll.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. While these statistics may sound alarming, they also present an opportunity to protect yourself, starting today. 

Find a Seattle Family Law Attorney

Divorce is one of the most challenging life transitions a person can go through. However, with awareness and proactive habits, it does not have to be defining, particularly of your long-term health. Paying attention to your body, maintaining a strong support system that includes a steadfast yet empathetic Washington state legal team, and prioritizing your well-being can have a positive effect on your future. 

At Elise Buie Family Law, our team of Washington family law attorneys understands that the connection between marital changes and cardiovascular risk is not just academic, but practical. This means that being informed about the potential dangers can help you make better decisions about your health and life after divorce, and we are waiting to help. Contact us today or schedule a convenient time to speak.