Children can "melt" their parents' hearts in many ways. But a recent study shows that men with children have worse heart health than those without children.
Researchers from Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago analyzed data from 2,814 men between the ages of 45 and 85 and found that health outcomes varied significantly by ethnicity and how old the man was when his child was born. seen.
For example, men who became fathers under the age of 25 appeared to have worse heart health than other fathers.
The study, published in AJPM Focus earlier this month, used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Men were grouped as fathers or nonfathers and self-identified as black, Chinese, Hispanic, or white. The researchers looked at a number of health indicators, including diet, exercise and smoking habits, weight, blood pressure and glucose levels.
The study authors hypothesized that the stresses that come with parenthood make it harder for men to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet or exercise because having children takes up more of their time.
"Changes in heart health indicate that the added responsibility of caring for children and the stress of fatherhood can make it difficult for men to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as a diet or exercise," study author John James. Parker.
Young fathers had the worst health
Men who had their first children when they were younger than 25 had the worst health outcomes as well as the highest death rates, the study found. Thus, at such a young age, the chances of not owning a home and having a lower salary make it more difficult to meet the financial obligations for the family and consequently this translates into more stress and health problems, mainly with the heart.
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Source: New York Post
