Arguing with Family, Friends Increases Risk of Premature Death

Getting along with family and friends may be critical to your health. A recent study conducted by researchers from Denmark shows a link between stressful social relations and increased mortality rates.

"Stressful social relations in private life are associated with a two- to three-times increased risk of dying," said lead researcher Dr. Rikke Lund, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, via Philly. "Worries and demands from partners and children, and conflicts in general, seem the most important risk factors."

For the study, researchers analyzed data gathered from the Danish Longitudinal Study on Work, unemployment and Health from 2000. The data was based off of 10,000 men and women between the ages of 36 and 52.

Findings showed that those who had arguments with family or friends often were at an increased rate for middle age mortality. This was especially true for unemployed men.

"Men respond to stressors with increased levels of cortisol, which may increase their risk of adverse health outcomes," the study's authors wrote according to BBC News.

Researchers believe that constantly arguing with others can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Building strong support systems can help to reduce the risk of stress and premature death.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the article 'Stressful social relations and mortality: a prospective cohort study,' from the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.