Widowed, divorced men's odds of dying from heart disease higher than women

BIRMINGHAM, England (FOX NEWS) - A new study suggests widowed and divorced men are more likely to die from heart disease than women of the same marital status. 

Single men, however, are more likely to survive heart failure than single women. 

Researchers examined the marital status and death rates of more than 1.8 million people treated for heart disease in northern England between 2004 and 2014. 

They compared the finding with widows and found that men whose spouses die have an 11 percent higher risk of death after a heart attack.

Single men with heart failure have a 13 percent lower risk of death compared to single women. 

Lead researcher, Doctor Rahul Potluri from Aston Medical School in Birmingham, says when it comes to heart disease, focusing on a patient's medical problem isn't enough. 

Potluri said, "It's important we look into providing holistic care and explore other factors, such as their support network, which can also have a big impact on a person's health."