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Marital history and survival after a heart attack

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  • Dupre, Matthew E.
  • Nelson, Alicia

Abstract

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and nearly one million Americans will have a heart attack this year. Although the risks associated with a heart attack are well established, we know surprisingly little about how marital factors contribute to survival in adults afflicted with heart disease. This study uses a life course perspective and longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study to examine how various dimensions of marital life influence survival in U.S. older adults who suffered a heart attack (n = 2197). We found that adults who were never married (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73), currently divorced (OR = 1.70), or widowed (OR = 1.34) were at significantly greater risk of dying after a heart attack than adults who were continuously married; and the risks were not uniform over time. We also found that the risk of dying increased by 12% for every additional marital loss and decreased by 7% for every one-tenth increase in the proportion of years married. After accounting for more than a dozen socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and physiological factors, we found that current marital status remained the most robust indicator of survival following a heart attack. The implications of the findings are discussed in the context of life course inequalities in chronic disease and directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Dupre, Matthew E. & Nelson, Alicia, 2016. "Marital history and survival after a heart attack," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 114-123.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:170:y:2016:i:c:p:114-123
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.10.013
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