For many people, losing a close family member can be one of the most difficult and emotionally painful experiences they can have.

Whether it is a spouse, parent, or child, the death of someone close can often lead to a period of grief and mourning that can be difficult to overcome.

Now, new research has shown that grief over the death of a close family member can also have serious physical consequences, particularly on the heart.

According to a recent study published in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure, individuals who experience intense grief after the death of a loved one are more likely to die of heart failure in the months following the loss.

The link between grief and heart health

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, analyzed over 87,000 individuals who had been diagnosed with heart failure between 1995 and 2014.

In particular, the researchers examined whether any of these individuals had also recently experienced the death of a close family member, such as a spouse or child.

The results of the study showed a clear link between grief and heart failure mortality rates.

Individuals who had recently experienced the death of a spouse or child had a significantly higher risk of dying of heart failure in the following months, compared to those who had not experienced such a loss.

Specifically, the study found that individuals who had lost a spouse had a 12% higher risk of dying from heart failure within the first month following the loss, while those who had lost a child had a 17% higher risk.

In addition, the risk remained elevated for up to six months following the death.

The impact of grief on heart health

So why does grief have such a significant impact on heart health? According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Simon Graff, the answer may lie in the body’s stress response.

“When you lose someone, your body goes into a stress response,” explains Dr. Graff.

“This can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can put additional strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart failure.”.

In addition, grief can also lead to changes in lifestyle factors that impact heart health, such as lack of sleep, poor diet, and decreased physical activity. These factors can all contribute to a higher risk of heart failure.

Managing grief and heart health

While grief is often an unavoidable part of life, there are steps that individuals can take to manage the impact on their heart health. One of the most important is to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

According to Dr.

Graff, “talking about your feelings and emotions is one of the best ways to cope with grief and reduce its impact on your heart health.” Seeking support from others can also help individuals maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise and proper nutrition, which are essential for heart health.

In addition, individuals who have recently experienced the death of a loved one should consult with their healthcare provider about their heart health.

Depending on their individual risk factors, they may need additional monitoring or treatment to prevent heart failure from developing or worsening.

The bottom line

The loss of a close family member can be a devastating experience, both emotionally and physically.

However, by taking steps to manage grief and prioritize heart health, individuals can reduce their risk of heart failure and improve their overall well-being.