Scientists have identified the trauma associated with losing a loved one as a factor in an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The risk of an impending heart attack is at its highest 30 days after the loss of a loved one.

1. Can a Person Really Die of a Broken Heart?
The concept of dyeing from a broken heart is a topic much referenced and romanticized in
popular culture. It is also something that has been discussed in a fictional context, until now.
Scientists have identified the trauma associated with losing a loved one as a factor in an
increased risk of heart attack or stroke. This association can be attributed to the added stress
bereavement puts on one’s heart doubling the risk of heart attack and stroke. Thus the
correlation between depression, disturbed mental health and heart disease, is a condition
known as “broken heart” syndrome.
A study conducted by the University of London on individuals who had recently lost a loved
one and were 60 years old and above revealed that 16 out of 10,000 participants suffered a
heart attack within 30 days of a partner’s death – double the rate for those whose loved ones
remained alive.
The risk of an impending heart attack is at its highest 30 days after the loss of a loved one.
The loss triggers adverse responses in the body including changes in blood clotting, blood
pressure, stress hormone levels, and heart rate. In addition to these physical responses there
are psychological factors that contribute to a person’s heart complications. A bereaved
individual will often become careless about his or her health and in some cases neglect taking
their prescribed medication. Doctors, friends and family must be supportive during this
vulnerable time to ensure that the aggrieved individual is cared for after the loss of a loved
one.
As Dr. Lain Carey’s explains, “We have seen a marked increase in heart attack or stroke risk
in the month after a person’s partner dies which seems likely to be the result of adverse
physiological responses associated with acute grief. A better understanding of psychological
and social factors associated with acute cardiovascular events may provide opportunities for
prevention and improved clinical care.”
Women are more likely to be affected by the broken heart syndrome. Sudden intense chest
pains that result from the surge of hormones is common in cases involving women. It is

2. generally seen in cases of a stressful event such as a divorce, breakup, physical separation,,
or even in case of a happy shock – like winning in a lottery.
Heart attack and broken heart syndrome: What’s the difference?
Some signs and symptoms of broken heart syndrome differ from those of a heart attack. In
broken heart syndrome, symptoms occur suddenly after extreme emotional or physical
stress.
Here are some factors unique to broken heart syndrome:
➢ EKG (a test that records the heart’s electric activity) results don’t look the same as
the EKG results for a person having a heart attack.
➢ Blood tests show no signs of heart damage.
➢ Tests show no signs of blockages in the coronary arteries.
➢ Tests show ballooning and unusual movement of the lower left heart chamber (left
ventricle).
➢ Recovery time is quick, usually within days or weeks (compared with the recovery
time of a month or more for a heart attack).
Once diagnosed with the broken heart syndrome, it is essential that the person schedule
follow-up visits with a doctor and be open and honest about their emotional state as it is an
important factor in managing their health. For more information, visit
www.personalabs.com