Aspirin could prevent a ‘broken heart’ after losing a loved one: Study

Did you know that numerous studies have found the risk of a heart attack increases 21.1-fold in the 24 hours following the passing of a family member, partner or friend. Not only is losing a loved on a huge emotional blow, it has real, physical risks attached.

Research published in the Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics Journal by the University of Arizona has discovered way to  educe that risk, however, according to the study, taking just two aspirin pills after someone passes away slashes the chance of experiencing heart complications associated with grief.

Researchers aimed to discover if there were any benefits of taking the drug, typically purchased over-the-counter in chemists and supermarkets, when it came to the side-effects associated with grief. What they found was aspirin lowered the levels of risk factors linked with a heart attack and helped people recover physically from loss more quickly. Furthermore, the results of the study found aspirin also lowered depressive symptoms.

While it may sound far-fetched, it is entirely possible for people to die from a ‘broken heart’. Bereavement can cause blood pressure and heart rate to rise rapidly, as well as creating tge potential for blood vessels to become restricted and for cholesterol plaque to build up in the blood. All these factors are known to increase the risk of a heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, broken heart syndrome is a real health diagnosis. Although temporary, the condition can impact even the healthiest of people, and women are more likely to experience it than men, with most sufferers experiencing a tight and intense pain in the chest.

“It could be the death of a loved one or even a divorce, breakup or physical separation, betrayal or romantic rejection,” the American Heart Association said on its website. “It could even happen after a good shock (like winning the lottery).”

Last year, a 61-year-old American woman was the focus of a New England Journal of Medicine report after she suffered a heart attack following the death of her dog. It was reported Joanie Simpson was pushed over the edge when her pet died, after already suffering stress caused by her ill son, financial hardships and other difficulties in life.

In the University of Arizona study, researchers analysed 10 people who were grieving and 12 people who weren’t. Each person was tracked for 30 days, with tests used to determine blood pressure, heart rate and depressive symptoms. Next, half of the group of participants were chosen at random to take a standard dose of aspirin given to patients by doctors to prevent heart attacks. The remainder of the group was given a placebo.

Researchers found the group who were given the aspirin saw their blood pressure lower, while the people in the grief group all saw lower levels of depressive symptoms. While the researchers acknowledged more studies needed to be conducted, they concluded by noting aspirin could prevent the risk of heart attacks in people who are grieving.

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