Gender and marital status differences could drive more support for those with worst health outcomes

Surviving some of the most common heart and circulatory diseases may be impacted by your gender and marital status, according to new research presented today at the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Conference in Manchester (1).

The new research from Aston University, Birmingham, has found stark differences in the death rates of men and women, particularly in relation to marital status, when living with heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF) or following a heart attack.

Widowers (men who have lost their spouse) who suffer a heart attack are 11 per cent more likely to die than widows (women who have lost their spouse). Similar findings were found amongst widowed men with heart failure (10 per cent) and AF (13 per cent) compared to widowed women with the same conditions. Divorced men with AF were 14 per cent more likely to die than divorced women.

The researchers also found that, among married people with AF, the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm, men had a 6 per cent higher risk of dying than women.

The situation is quite different for those who aren't married. The team discovered that single men with heart failure actually had a 13 per cent lower risk of death compared to single women.

This study follows on from previous work suggesting that being married may improve the chances of surviving a heart attack, and this is particularly the case for women (2-4).

By studying 1,816,230 people?who were admitted to hospitals in the North of England with a heart attack, heart failure or AF between 2000 and 2014, the researchers were able to see how marital status or gender may affect the long term risk of dying from these life threatening conditions over a 14 year period. Data were analysed according to the ACALM (Algorithm for Comorbidities, Associations, Length of stay and Mortality) study protocol.

Dr Rahul Potluri, who led the study, hopes that, by going one step further and understanding how these differences in marital status may affect survival in men and women, the team will not only help identify people in need of extra support but also help improve the way support is provided.

Dr Rahul Potluri, Clinical Lecturer in Cardiology at Aston Medical School, said:

"When it comes to helping people recover from a life-threatening heart condition, focusing solely on their medical problem does not necessarily give the best outcome. It's important we look into providing holistic care and explore other factors, such as their support network, which can also have a big impact on a person's health."

Professor Metin Avkiran, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said:?

"Heart attack, atrial fibrillation and heart failure can all cut life short. These findings suggest that widowed or divorced men, and single women, may be most in need of support in order to help minimise their individual risk of dying from these conditions.

"Nobody should feel they have to face their condition alone. Regardless of your marital status, whether you are a man or woman, it's important to know that there is an abundance of support out there for you. If you are not able to or don't feel comfortable calling on friends and family, you can also speak to your GP or the BHF's?Heart Helpline?for advice and support."

Dr Ranjit More, Consultant Cardiologist at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and co-author said:

"These gender differences we are seeing could be due to men and women having different levels of support, or willingness to seek support. By identifying which groups of people have the worst outcomes, we can then push for healthcare professionals to encourage those people to become involved in group therapy and ensure they have adequate support networks in place to help deal with these serious, chronic medical conditions."

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To request interviews or for more information please call the BHF press office on 020 7554 0164 (07764 290 381 - out of hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

(1) The impact of gender and marital status on long term mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: Insights utilising big data from the ACALM Study, presented at the BCS Conference, 5th June 2019 by Dr Rahul Potluri, Aston University. Abstract available on request.

(2) Hayes RM, Carter PR, Gollop ND, et al 108?The Impact of Marital Status on Mortality and Length of Stay in Patients Admitted with Myocardial Infarction Heart 2016;102:A77

(3) Hayes RM, Carter PR, Gollop ND, Uppal H, Sarma J, Chandran S, Potluri R. The impact of marital status on mortality and length of stay in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome. Int J Cardiol. 2016 Jun 1;212:142-4.

(4) https:/ / www. bcs. com/ abstracts3/ marker_view. asp?AbstractID= 2516

About the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS)

BCS is the voice for those working in cardiovascular health, science and disease management in the UK; we aim to promote and support both the healthcare professionals who work in cardiology and the patients for whom we want to encourage the best possible treatment. Our members are healthcare professionals, working in the field of cardiovascular health.

Find out more at bcs.com

British Heart Foundation

One in four of us in the UK and one in three globally die from heart and circulatory diseases. That's why the British Heart Foundation funds world-leading research into their causes, prevention, treatment and cure. Advances from our research have saved and improved millions of lives, but heart diseases, stroke, vascular dementia and their risk factors such as diabetes still cause heartbreak on every street. With the public's support, our funding will drive the new discoveries to end that heartbreak.

Find out more at bhf.org.uk