When conflicts become a regular part of daily life, the body may remain in a constant state of high alert.
According to cardiologist Erin Michos from Johns Hopkins Medicine, emotional stress can increase both heart rate and blood pressure.
Over time, this wears on the heart, especially if the strain continues for years.
A 2021 study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Health shows that people in satisfying romantic relationships have a more stable resting heart rate.
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This is interpreted as a sign that the heart is better able to cope with stress when mental well-being is strong.
Conversely, lower stability may indicate an increased risk of heart problems.
When conflicts persist
According to social psychologist Veronica Lamarche from the University of Essex, repeated conflicts can lead to elevated levels of stress hormones, inflammation, and a weakened immune system.
The Guardian has reported on her research, which emphasizes that it is the long-term strain that makes the difference.
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A large study from Michigan State University, published in The Journals of Gerontology, followed 1,200 older couples over five years.
The results showed that women in unsatisfactory marriages were more likely to have unfavorable cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease and blood clots
Several studies, including research published in Current Cardiology Reports and The Journal of the American Heart Association, suggest that poor romantic relationships can worsen both the risk of heart disease and recovery after a blood clot.
Overall, the research indicates that the quality of a romantic relationship can affect heart health on par with other well-known risk factors.
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Sources: Health Digest, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Health, The Guardian, The Journals of Gerontology, Current Cardiology Reports, and The Journal of the American Heart Association.
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