Only two studies have investigated the effect of longitudinal changes in relationship quality on outcomes related to CVD risk.13 14 One studied women (n=413) finding those in higher quality marriages was found to have lower risk of developing the metabolic syndrome.14 Another studied effects of relationship quality on dichotomous measures of CVD risk were such as hypertension, heart rate >80 bpm or C-reactive protein >3.0 mg/L in women (n=459) and men (n=739).13 This study suggested some effects on women but not men and few associations persisted after adjustment for confounders. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is Hypertension.