Recent medical research suggests a sudden, unexpected loss of a lifelong partner can cause the surviving partner to experience an abnormal condition of the heart known as arterial fibrillation.  It is a very dangerous cardiac beat that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The surviving partner is at risk of experiencing this condition immediately or there can be a delay of two weeks after the occurrence of the death.

The physician should be aware of this potential occurrence and may have to get personal when discussing certain aspects of your life.  A staff member should relay the information regarding your experience in losing a spouse or significant other to the physician.  Early awareness of a personal tragedy could save someone’s life.  Family members also need to be aware that this occurrence is possible.

The cause of arterial fibrillation is thought to be stress related which causes the fight or flight hormone to be pumped throughout the body dramatically, causing the heart and other organs to malfunction.