3. A “Broken Heart” Is Literally A Broken Heart
Things associated with heartbreak can actually heighten your risk for having a heart attack, such as the death of a loved one or a breakup. A study done at the University College London showed relationship problems increased a subject’s risk of having a heart attack by 34%. Such relationships included a lack of support and an increase in stress levels. Of 102 cases of sudden death, thirteen happened on the anniversary of the death of a parent. Psychiatrist George L. Engel has detailed many cases of people dying soon after a loved one.
Studies also show people in healthy marriages have lower risks of heart disease, by up to 12%. This study only encompassed people under the age of 50. People over the age of 50 seemed less reactive to emotional stress. So remember, keeping your figurative “heart” healthy also keeps your physical heart healthy.
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