Death of spouse, child may cause higher heart rate, other dangers

Immediately after the death of a loved one, bereaved spouses and parents can experience an increase in their heart rate and other heart rhythm abnormalities -- possibly increasing the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. Although the abnormalities tend to dissipate within six months, greater awareness of the potential for increased risk of heart attack or sudden death among the recently bereaved may lead to better prevention measures, especially for those with underlying heart disease.

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