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Remedy to Prevent a Damaged Heart from Causing Death

Heartbreak's potential lethal impact: Studies indicate significant surge in heart attack risk, with a 21-fold increase in the immediate aftermath of a loved one's demise and six-fold elevation in the subsequent week. Medical professionals are now investigating preventive measures for...

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The prospect of succumbing to a heartbreak seems plausible, as numerous studies suggest. In fact,...
The prospect of succumbing to a heartbreak seems plausible, as numerous studies suggest. In fact, the peril of a heart attack rises drastically, escalating up to 21 times on the very day a loved one passes away, and continues to increase sixfold in the subsequent week. Medical professionals are now contemplating preventive measures against a 'grief-triggered heart attack'.

Remedy to Prevent a Damaged Heart from Causing Death

Can Heart Attacks Be Triggered by Grief? A Study Explores Preventive Measures

Grief after the loss of a loved one can significantly increase a person's risk of a heart attack, according to a study published in 2012. Dr. Geoffrey Tofler, professor of preventative cardiology at the University of Sydney, and his team found that the risk of a heart attack is 21 times higher on the day of a loved one's death and declines to six times the normal risk within a week. This condition, known as stress cardiomyopathy or "broken heart syndrome," occurs due to extreme stress on the heart, often triggered by the death of a loved one.

Associate Professor Buckley of the University of Sydney adds that larger long-term studies are needed to identify the characteristics of individuals who would most benefit from this preventive treatment. In a 2019 study, Dr. Tofler and his Australian research team sought to discover if the increased risk of heart attack in early bereavement could be reduced by using common medications in a novel way.

The team conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 85 individuals who had lost a spouse or child within the past two weeks. They were divided into two groups, with one group receiving low daily doses of a beta-blocker and aspirin for six weeks, while the other group took placebos. The subjects' heart rates, blood pressures, and blood clotting were carefully monitored during the study.

The results showed that the active medication reduced spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, and demonstrated some positive change in blood clotting tendency. Importantly, the medications did not interfere with the grief process but lessened symptoms of anxiety and depression, allowing individuals to think more clearly while coping with their grief.

Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), thus reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. During periods of heightened stress, such as grief, these medications might help mitigate the potential impact on the cardiovascular system.

While the study does not provide direct evidence on the long-term effectiveness of beta-blockers in reducing heart attack risk during early bereavement, existing research suggests that they can reduce mortality and cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction and in patients with coronary artery disease. Given the heightened cardiovascular risk associated with grief, healthcare professionals are encouraged to identify patients in the early stages of bereavement who are at higher risk of heart attack and consider implementing preventative strategies.

If you or someone you know has recently experienced the loss of a loved one, recognizing and addressing other possible physical symptoms of grief, such as poor sleep, chest pain, headaches, depression, nausea, fatigue, and a weakened immune system, can help alleviate some of the physical burden. Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member and talking to your doctor can provide emotional support and guidance during this difficult time. Daily walks, yoga, cooking healthy meals, and following a regular sleep schedule may also help lighten the physical impact of grief.

  • Grief, as seen in the study, can increase a person's risk of heart attacks, particularly in the immediate aftermath of a loved one's death. This condition is known as stress cardiomyopathy or "broken heart syndrome."
  • Seeking preventive measures, Dr. Tofler and his team conducted a study in 2019, testing the effectiveness of beta-blockers and aspirin in reducing the risk of heart attacks in individuals who had recently lost a loved one.
  • The results showed that the medication reduced spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, demonstrating some positive change in blood clotting tendency and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Given the heightened cardiovascular risk associated with grief, healthcare professionals are encouraged to identify patients at risk and consider implementing preventative strategies such as beta-blockers and lifestyle changes like daily exercise, healthy nutrition, and regular sleep schedules.

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