Emotional Turmoil Takes Its Toll

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Sadly, there are far too many marriages, where couples can't get through a day without fighting. Certainly this leads to tension but it may be as harmful for your health as smoking cigarettes or a poor diet.

Researchers say that couples in this situation have elevated stress levels that significantly impede their body's wound healing capacity and can contribute to aging. It all has to do with inflammation and actually causing more inflammation and damage to cells all throughout the body. This is the damage in the long run.

In the short run it can also have an effect. It can impede wound healing. Scientists say this is particularly important during times of illness and recovery from surgery.

Certainly disagreements and arguments occur but consistent emotional turmoil has a price.