Grief can cause life-threatening inflammation, study finds



[ad_1]

HOUSTON – We often see stories in the local media featuring senior couples who have spent most of their lives together, then go out for hours or days. 39; interval. Now, a new study could explain why.

Researchers at Rice University claim that people struggling to overcome the grief caused by the loss of a loved one are more likely to suffer life-threatening inflammations. Conversely, those who are more able to cope with the death of the spouse are more likely to be in better health.

"Previous research has shown that inflammation contributes to almost all diseases in the elderly," notes Chris Fagundes, lead author of the study. Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences, in a statement. "We also know that depression is linked to higher levels of inflammation and that those who lose their spouse run a significantly higher risk of major depression, heart attack, stroke and death." premature. However, this is the first study to confirm that grief – regardless of the level of depressive symptoms – can promote inflammation, which can lead to negative health consequences.

For the study, Fagundes and his research team interviewed 99 widows or widowers who recently lost their wives and who also asked them to give blood samples. according to their level of mourning, that is, those who were determined to experience heavier mourning – whether because of difficulties in accepting the loss or their inability to let go – were compared to those who did not pbad so hard with the death of their loved one.

Fagundes found that people in mourning had 17% more inflammation than those with less mourning symptoms. the most distressed individuals had a level of inflammation 53.4% ​​higher than that of the participants with the least difficulty and symptoms.

"This work shows that ui, among those in mourning, is at the highest risk level, "says Fagundes. "Now that we know these two key results, we can design interventions to target this risk factor to those most at risk through behavioral or pharmacological approaches."

In July, Fagundes also published a study showing that widowers were more likely to suffer heart problems after the death of a spouse and up to 41% more likely to die himself.This book now highlights a Probable Reason Behind This Finding.

The Comprehensive Study, funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, was published online on October 11, 2018 in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.


Do you like studies? Follow us on Facebook!

[ad_2]
Source link