Bereavement 'raises risk of dangerous heart changes'

Recently-bereaved people have heart rhythm changes which may make some of them more vulnerable to heath problems, say researchers.

The University of Sydney study, released at a US heart conference, monitored the hearts of 78 bereaved spouses and parents.

They beat faster on average than unaffected volunteers, with more common periods of very rapid heart rates.

A UK specialist recommended check-ups for those with-existing heart problems.

It is known that the trauma of bereavement can mean an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in the months immediately following the death of a close relative.

The Australian team asked people whose relative had died in hospital two weeks earlier to wear heart monitors 24 hours a day to try to reveal any underlying changes which might be contributing to this.

...They found that the average heart rate following bereavement was 75 beats per minute, compared to 70.7 in unaffected volunteers.

However, this was accompanied by twice the normal number of periods where the heartbeat accelerated to higher than normal levels, called tachycardia.

This alone does not cause serious heart problems - rapid heartbeats can be a normal by-product of stress and anxiety.

Lead researcher Dr Thomas Buckley said that it might, however, be enough to trigger an attack in someone with pre-existing heart disease. ... The study found that, six months after bereavement, heart rhythms had returned to normal.

... wherever possible, the bereaved should try to take moderate exercise and seek out social support.  ...

via BBC News - Bereavement 'raises risk of dangerous heart changes'.