'Dying of heartache?' Heart problems linked to bereavement

Conclusion The study found that people were more likely to have AF for the first time in the weeks immediately after a bereavement, but that this raised risk does not last. Despite the headlines, this does not mean that anyone who's had a bereavement is at immediate risk of "dying of a broken heart". Atrial fibrillation is treatable and not usually life-threatening. Because this was an observational study, we cannot rule out the possibility that factors such as family history of atrial fibrillation or lifestyle factors could have affected the results, although the researcher's conclusion that this is a small possibility seems reasonable. The size of the study, and its use of big national databases, adds to its value. It's not surprising to learn that people may be at increased risk of ill health immediately after the death of a partner, which is one of the most distressing events we are likely to face. The study gives us more reason to look after people who have been bereaved, as their health is vulnerable during this time. Anyone with symptoms of atrial fibrillation, such as a very fast or irregular heartbeat, should see their GP. Anyone with chest pain and symptoms of a heart attack, such as pain travelling from your chest to your arms, jaw or neck, and shortness of breath, should call an ambulance and take an aspirin while they are waiting for it to arrive. Links To The Headlines You can die of a broken heart, study indicates. The Guardian, April 6 2016 What ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Mental health Source Type: news