Title: 5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health | Get Healthy Stay Healthy
Headings: 5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health
5 Ways Grief May Affect Your Health
1. Weakened immune system
2. Heart problems
3. Alcohol and substance abuse
4. Depression
5. Poor sleep
When to seek help to overcome grief
Working with your healthcare provider
If you have suicidal thoughts, get immediate help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or call your doctor right away.
References
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Content: 2. Heart problems
A study showed that a person’s risk of having a heart attack was 21 times more likely in the first 24 hours after the death of a significant other. After 1 week, the risk was still almost 6 times as likely. The impact may be greatest among individuals at high cardiovascular risk. Stressful life events, such as death of a loved one or divorce, may also lead to a medical condition referred to as Broken Heart Syndrome. This is a short-term heart condition in which the heart does not pump normally. It can happen in healthy people. It is believed that a rapid increase in stress hormones (such as adrenaline) can temporarily damage hearts. Symptoms include sudden, intense chest pain. The pain can be so severe it may be mistaken for a heart attack.