Using common medication in a novel way can lower the increased risk of heart attack or "a broken heart" following the death of a loved one, reveals a clinical trial. The findings of the study are published in the American Heart Journal. While most people gradually adjust to the loss of a loved one, there is an increase in heart attacks and death among bereaved people, particularly those grieving a spouse or child, said lead investigator Geoffrey Tofler, Professor at the University of Sydney in Australia.
‘Common beta-blockers and aspirin used in a low dose once a day reduce spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as decrease anxiety levels among bereaved people.
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"The increased risk of heart attack can last up to six months. It is highest in the first days following bereavement and remains at four times the risk between seven days to one month after the loss," Tofler said. The study showed that it is possible to reduce several cardiac risk factors during this time, without adversely affecting the grieving process.
The research team enrolled 85 spouses or parents in the study within two weeks of losing their family members.
Forty-two participants received low daily doses of a beta-blocker and aspirin for six weeks, while 43 were given placebos.
Heart rate and blood pressure were carefully monitored, and blood tests assessed blood clotting changes.
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The investigators also carefully monitored the grief reaction of participants.
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"Encouragingly, and to our surprise, reduced levels of anxiety and blood pressure persisted even after stopping the six weeks of daily beta-blocker and aspirin," Tofler added.
The study builds on the team’s novel work in this area with their earlier studies among the first to identify the physiological correlates of bereavement.
"While beta-blockers and aspirin have been commonly used long term to reduce cardiovascular risk, they have not previously been used in this way as a short-term preventative therapy during bereavement," said co-investigator Tom Buckley, Associate Professor at University of Sydney Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Source-IANS