A study has shown that people really can die of a broken heart.

Most mourners don't sleep enough and forget to take their scheduled medication. Based on the study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, they are stressed and troubled after a loved one's death

Researchers demonstrated that after a loved one's death, the risk to having a heart attack increases up to 21 times beyond the standard during the first day and nearly 6 times higher than usual within seven days.

Dr. Murray Mittleman, preventive cardiologist and epidemiologist from Harvard Medical School, said healthcare providers, caretakers, as well as the bereaved themselves have to know that they are also prone to increased risk within days and weeks after knowing that someone significant is about to die.

Scientists further explained that the heightened probability of getting a heart attack during the first days of suffering from losing a close friend, family member, or partner ranges from 1 per 320 individuals enduring high risk of heart attack to 1 per 1,394 individuals with low risks.

Higher risks of dying are observed from mourning spouses. Most of those who lost their partners suffer from heart disease and stroke. A previous study showed that 53% of deaths are caused by this ailment.

Dr. Mittleman also explained that once a person is on the stage of psychological distress due to extreme grief, he or she must go for a checkup and seek medical attention. Consulting a physician regarding indications of having a heart attack disease is highly recommended.

Usual symptoms of heart problems include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, nausea, stomach or upper body pain, light-headedness, and experiencing cold sweat.

Dr. Mittleman, however, said there will more studies to be conducted in the future to generate more accurate and particular recommendations regarding this matter.