Bereavement and the risk of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

"The doctor died unexpectedly at home. His wife of 45 years passed away 4 days previously. He was known for his professional, surgical expertise, and his compassionate care for patients and their families." From a notice in a local paper. The death of a loved one has long been known to convey an adverse health risk, including increased cardiac events, although the mechanisms remain uncertain. While the mortality risk appears to be greatest in the initial weeks following bereavement, it remains significantly elevated during the first 6 months. Despite the difficulties conducting studies at this time, early bereavement has been associated with neuroendocrine activation, hemodynamic and prothrombotic changes, altered sleep, and immune imbalance, all of which may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. Further research, based on an understanding of the underlying mechanisms and identified physiological changes, is required to pursue the goal of reducing health risk during this major life stress.