Loss of a loved one can literally lead to a broken heart, a study has found.
Grief doubles the risk of a heart attack, and has the same effect on the chances of suffering a stroke, research shows.
Scientists looked at GP data on thousands of individuals aged 60 and over in the UK, some of whom had recently lost partners.
They found that 16 per 1000 patients suffered a heart attack or stroke within 30 days of a partner's death - double the rate for those whose loved ones remained alive.
The heightened risk among bereaved men and women starts to fall after 30 days, according to findings published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
"We often use the term a 'broken heart' to signify the pain of losing a loved one and our study shows that bereavement can have a direct effect on the health of the heart," lead researcher Dr Sunil Shah, from the University of London, said.
"There is evidence, from other studies, that bereavement and grief lead to a range of adverse responses including changes in blood clotting, blood pressure, stress hormone levels and heart rate control," he said.
Dr Shah said another study also found that in the first few months after bereavement, individuals may not consistently take their regular preventive medication, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or aspirin.
"We think it is important that doctors, friends and family are aware of this increase risk of heart attacks and strokes, so they can ensure care and support is as good as possible at a time of increased vulnerability," he said.
