Madrid (Spain): The recent studies by European Society of Cardiology show that unmarried patients with heart failure are often nervous. They are also more socially restricted in comparison to married people.
As a result, survival rates for unmarried heart patients is lower than the married patients.
According to Dr Fabian Kerwagen of the Comprehensive Heart Failure Center at the University Hospital Wurzburg, Germany, "Social support helps people manage long-term conditions."
Social limitation refers to the extent to which heart failure symptoms affect patients' ability to interact socially, such as pursuing hobbies and recreational activities or visiting friends and family. Self-efficacy describes patients' perception of their ability to manage complications.
"Spouses may assist with drug adherence, provide encouragement and help with developing healthier behaviours, all of which could affect longevity," Dr Kerwagen added.
"Previous studies have also proved that being unmarried is an indicator of a less favourable prognosis both in the general population and in patients with coronary artery disease.
"The connection between marriage and longevity indicates the importance of social support for patients with heart failure," a topic which has become even more relevant with social distancing during the pandemic.
