A study published last July had already pointed out that couples who quarrel the least are more likely to live longer. and healthier. New research conducted by academics in Pittsburgh (USA) shows that family arguments and repeated conflict in the couple are raise blood pressure, especially in women. The latter then have a greater risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.
The more we fight, the more the tension rises
For four years, the academics followed more than 1,500 people aged 50 and over who were part of a large Health and Retirement Study. All of these participants completed questionnaires in which they detailed the frequency with which they argued with friends, spouse or family. Each time, they had to measure their blood pressure.
During this four-year period, 29% of participants developed hypertension. And this high tension was much higher among people who had frequent arguments, especially in the group of people aged 51 to 64. The risk of hypertension was lower in those over 65 and especially much less marked in men than in women.
Arguments affect women more than men
According to Rodlescia Seed, lead author of this study, this gender difference is likely due to the fact that women place much more expectation and importance in relationships with others than men.
“Disputes are therefore more important to them, and have an impact on their nervous tension,” explains the researcher. Think about it the next time you quarrel. Because hypertension is responsible for half of the deaths due to a heart attack Where stroke in the world.
