New research from the University of Arizona shows that intense grief can lead to a significant increase in blood pressure, indicating that grieving may be a risk factor for heart problems. The study involved individuals who had lost loved ones, and when they were asked to recall moments of grief, their blood pressure rose.
The passing of close individuals not only affects mental health but also has a physical impact. Scientists at the University of Arizona examined the effects of bereavement on heart function and found a strong connection between severe grief and elevated systolic blood pressure response. This association suggests that grief could contribute to cardiac events.
The study, recently published in Psychosomatic Medicine, aimed to explore the concept of “dying of a broken heart” after the loss of a loved one. The research was motivated by the documented increase in mortality risk following such a loss. The researchers specifically investigated blood pressure as a possible contributing factor.
The study involved 59 participants who had experienced the loss of a close loved one within the past year. The researchers conducted interviews with each participant, during which they were asked to recall moments of feeling alone after the death of their loved one, a process known as “grief recall.” Following this emotional stress test, the participants’ systolic blood pressure, the pressure the heart exerts on the arteries while beating, increased significantly. Those who showed the most severe grief symptoms experienced the highest increase in blood pressure during the grief recall.
This study’s findings are valuable for healthcare professionals, as they indicate that individuals experiencing bereavement are at a higher risk for hypertension and other heart-related issues. Clinicians should encourage grieving patients to undergo regular medical checkups, as the emotional response to loss can significantly impact heart health.
Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, the senior author of the study and an associate professor of psychology at UArizona specializing in grief, runs the Grief, Loss, and Social Stress Lab in the Department of Psychology. She explores interventions like “progressive muscle relaxation,” which can help grieving individuals manage their stress levels and cope with grief effectively.
The research received funding from the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling and the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about heart health
What did the University of Arizona study reveal about grief and heart problems?
The University of Arizona study revealed that severe grief can lead to significant increases in blood pressure, suggesting that grief could be a risk factor for heart problems.
How does grief impact heart function according to the research?
The research shows that our emotional response to loss significantly impacts heart function, with intense grief causing a notable increase in blood pressure.
How many participants were involved in the study?
The study included 59 participants who had experienced the loss of a close loved one within the past year.
What was the method used to test the cardiovascular effects of grief?
The researchers used “grief recall” where participants were asked to share a moment when they felt very alone after the death of their loved one, and their blood pressure was measured during this emotional stress test.
What intervention did Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor explore in her lab?
Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor explored “progressive muscle relaxation” as an intervention to help grieving individuals manage their stress levels and cope with grief effectively.
5 comments
intense grief linked to high BP? bad news! emotional response matters, heart function impacted, yikes!
wow, this is fascinating stuff! who knew grief could mess with your heart like that. gotta take care of my heart health now!
so like, grief is risk for cardiac probs? gotta take care of my emotions and heart now, serious stuff!
univ of arizona study says grief may affect heart, scary stuff for anyone who lost a loved one. thx for the info!
grieving can affect health, crazy! progressive muscle relaxation sounds interesting, worth a try maybe.