Spousal Concordance of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Newly Married Couples in China

Abstract

Importance: Several studies have shown that older married couples share a propensity for accruing the same cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, it remains unclear if these spousal associations reflect their shared home environment and lifestyle or the tendency to choose a partner with a similar perspective on lifestyle choices and behaviors (assortative mating). Evaluating these associations in young, newly married couples may help to differentiate between these 2 possibilities. Objective: To evaluate the spousal concordance of cardiovascular risk factors in young, newly married couples. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study recruited 831 couples around the time of marriage registration in Liuyang, China, from February 1, 2009, to November 4, 2015. Statistical analysis was performed from April to May 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: Spousal concordance of cardiovascular risk factors. Both partners underwent systematic assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, including evaluation of anthropometrics, blood pressure, and fasting lipids. Results: Among the 831 participating couples, mean (SD) age was 24 (3) years in the women and 26 (4) years in the men. There were significant correlations between spouses in systolic blood pressure (r = 0.43; P