Are multiple roles a risk factor for myocardial infarction in women?

This study examined whether multiple social roles are associated with an increased risk for a first myocardial infarction in a sample of Dutch women and whether there is evidence in favour of either the scarcity or the enhancement hypothesis about multiple roles. Subjects were 79 patients with a first myocardial infarction (MI), and they were compared with 90 hospital controls. Logistic regression analyses showed that multiple social roles do not constitute a risk factor for a first myocardial infarction. Classic risk factors seem to be more important. Neither the scarcity nor the enhancement hypothesis was confirmed in connection with a first myocardial infarction. However, the findings do support the enhancement hypothesis with regard to general health. In conclusion, the results indicate that multiple social roles do not constitute a risk factor for a first myocardial infarction in women.