(United Press International) It only takes a couple spins of a country music record or a quick stroll down Beale Street to learn that lost or unrequited love can make a heart ache. But according to researchers, it can also kill.
A new study showed that losing a partner doubles the grieving survivor's chance of a heart attack or stroke.
"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," explained Dr. Sunil Shah, a public health professor at St. George's University of London and co-author of the new study.
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Thankfully, the increased health risk doesn't last forever. Though grief may last much, much longer, the heightened probability of a heart attack or stroke -- according to researchers -- begins to wane after a month of bereavement.
