ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsHeart Break Really Hurts

A new study finds that heart attack risk rises to 21 times higher than normal within the very first day after a loved one has died.

That sharp increase tapers off with each day, but is still almost six times higher than normal within the first week and stays somewhat elevated for at least a month.

The results suggest that people mourning the loss of someone important should be sure to take care of themselves in the period right after the death, and not to dismiss physical symptoms as purely signs of emotional stress.