Grief Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Events

Losing a partner nearly doubles the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke in adults over 60, according to a new study. 

Having a “broken heart” may be more than just an old adage. To explore the effects of bereavement on cardiovascular risk, researchers at St. George’s University in London compared outcomes between 30,447 individuals that had recently lost a partner and 83,588 controls between 60 and 89 years.
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Within 30 days of the death of a partner, 50 of the bereaved group (016%) experienced a heart attack or stroke, compared with 67 of the control group (0.08%).

Researchers also observed increased risk of rare events, like non-MI acute coronary syndrome and pulmonary embolism, within 90 days after losing a partner. 

Risk of heart attack and stroke attenuated after 30 days of follow-up

“This study provides further evidence that the death of a partner is associated with a range of major cardiovascular events in the immediate weeks and months after bereavement,” researchers concluded.

“Understanding psychosocial factors associated with acute cardiovascular events may provide opportunities for prevention and improved clinical care.”

–Michael Potts

Reference

Carey IM, Shah SM, DeWilde S, Harris T, Victor CR, Cook DG. Increased Risk of Acute Cardiovascular Events After Partner Bereavement [published online ahead of print February 24, 2014].  JAMA Intern Med. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.14558