A new study has raised concerns about high blood pressure (hypertension) affecting both spouses or partners in middle-aged couples, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues.
“Many people know that high blood pressure is common in middle-aged and older adults, yet we were surprised to find that among many older couples, both husband and wife had high blood pressure in the U.S., England, China, and India,” says senior author Chihua Li, DrPH, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Michigan and the study’s corresponding author.
“For instance, in the U.S., among more than 35% of couples who were ages 50 or older, both had high blood pressure.”
Key Findings:
- High Blood Pressure in Couples: The study examined middle-aged and older heterosexual couples from the United States, United Kingdom, China, and India. It found that in many cases, both spouses or partners had high blood pressure.
- Prevalence of High Blood Pressure: The likelihood of both partners having high blood pressure was highest in the U.K. (47%) and the United States (38%). In China and India, there was a tendency for one spouse to have high blood pressure if their partner also had the condition.
- Cross-Cultural Differences: Cultural factors may play a role in this phenomenon. In collectivist societies like China and India, where there is a strong belief in family unity and support, couples may have a more significant influence on each other’s health.
- Health Impact: High blood pressure is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular issues. When both partners in a couple have high blood pressure, it can lead to increased health risks for both individuals.
Implications:
- Couple-Based Interventions: The study suggests that “couple-based interventions” could be effective in improving high blood pressure diagnosis and management. These interventions could include joint screening, skills training, or participation in blood pressure treatment programs as a couple.
- Public Health Strategies: The findings highlight the need for a broader approach to managing hypertension beyond individual-level interventions. Addressing high blood pressure within couples could be an important strategy for improving cardiovascular health.
- Global Health Concern: High blood pressure is a significant global health concern, and the study emphasizes that it remains prevalent and poorly controlled. Strategies that involve couples could help tackle this issue more effectively.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of considering the influence of the social environment, including family dynamics, on health outcomes like high blood pressure. It suggests that taking a holistic approach to addressing health issues within couples and families can have a positive impact on individuals’ well-being and overall public health.
