Dr Sarah Jarvis
My Weekly’s favourite GP from TV and radio writes for you
IF YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN BEREAVED, MAKE SURE THEY’RE TAKING ANY REGULAR MEDICATION AND OFFER TO SORT OUT REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS FOR THEM
As a doctor, I’ve seen all too often the overwhelming impact of grief. We talk about the phases – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. I’ve been a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a counsellor – sometimes I feel helpless, but so many patients tell me that just being there is enough. We all understand the emotional effects of losing a loved one. But what happens if grief turns physical?
There is a condition called broken-heart syndrome. It’s a form of cardiomyopathy – damage to the heart muscle causing it to weaken and balloon out. Its medical name is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, after a Japanese fishing basket – the condition makes the heart swell to the same shape. Doctors aren’t sure why it happens but it usually comes on after severe trauma or emotional stress.
Broken-heart syndrome affects women more often than men, and is more common in over-50s. The first symptom is often severe chest pain, so many people think they are having a heart attack. As the heart muscle weakens, it stops being able to pump blood efficiently. This leads to fluid build-up in the lungs, with shortness of breath especially on lying flat, and swollen ankles. Palpitations – either abnormally fast or slow – are also common. Tests for broken-heart syndrome include heart tracings and blood tests to exclude heart attack, along with X-rays and heart scans which often show up the abnormal heart shape.
IF SOMEONE HAS NO APPETITE, SPEAK TO THE PHARMACIST ABOUT SHORT TERM SUPPLEMENT DRINKS TO KEEP THEIR VITAMIN AND MINERAL INTAKE UP
Treatments aim to control symptoms – tablets to stabilise heart rhythm and blood pressure (which can drop); water tablets to reduce fluid build-up and bloodthinning agents if clots or abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AF) occur.
Fortunately, the majority of people recover completely in weeks. But once you’ve had broken-heart syndrome once, you’re at higher risk of symptoms again if you go through another major stress.
Broken-heart syndrome only affects about 2,500 people a year in the UK. Hundreds of thousands feel other physical effects of grief. We’ve all heard of couples who pass away within weeks or months of each other. Can grief really kill you, or is there a medical explanation?
Our state of mind can have a huge impact on physical health. Adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone which floods our bodies when we’re scared, causes rapid breathing and heart rate, sweaty palms, dry mouth and more. The depression that often follows bereavement can affect appetite and sleep. Lack of sleep and vital nutrients can make you prone to infection. More often still, I’ve seen patients go downhill because a loved one no longer reminds them to take tablets or gives them a reason to look after their health. Here family and friends can make all the difference. Shop or clean; make nutritious soup. Perhaps liaise with other family and friends to ensure they’re visited but aren’t overwhelmed.
Everyone reacts differently to bereavement. Some hate being alone, others can’t stand the idea of being a burden. Let your loved one know you’re there whenever they need you. Don’t worry what to say – just let them talk when they want to. Knowing they’re loved can make all the difference. Next week: Lower your blood pressure the easy way
LET YOUR LOVED ONE KNOW YOU’RE THERE FOR THEM WHENEVER
YOU’’ THEY NEED