Anniversary of Loved Ones Death Shown to Trigger
Sudden Death, Men Especially
History of heart attack, family SD or coronary
disease, cardiovascular risks add to vulnerability
March
31, 2008 - If the date of a loved one’s passing is approaching, beware.
The anniversary of the death of a close family member, especially a
mother or father, is a significant trigger for Sudden Death (SD),
especially in men, according to research presented today at the American
College of Cardiology’s 57th Annual Scientific Session.
Understanding the triggers of SD - death that is
unexpected and occurs rapidly, frequently within one hour of the onset
of symptoms and usually due to lethal arrhythmias - may help researchers
discover ways to anticipate and prevent premature loss of life.
“Sudden death is a major public health problem and
is responsible for nearly half of all cardiac deaths,” said Juan
Marques, M.D., Central University of Venezuela, and co-investigator of
this study.
“A better understanding of the manner in which
events, such as the anniversary effect, can trigger sudden deaths may
lead to innovative preventive strategies aimed at severing the link
between this psychological stress and their pathological consequences.”
Researchers evaluated a consecutive series of 102
documented sudden death cases of individuals between 37 and 79 years
old. Life circumstances that preceded death were investigated.
In nearly 70 percent of cases (69 cases), the
underlying syndrome was coronary artery disease.
In 13 percent of cases
(13 cases), SD occurs on the anniversary date of the traumatic event of
death of a parent (seven on the anniversary of father’s death, five on
the anniversary of mother’s death and one on the anniversary of the
death of the mother and father, who died on the same date).
Deaths were not related to the loss of any other
close family member. Roughly one-third (4 cases) died at a similar age
as the family member who died previously.
“We’ve all known close family members who have died
within hours, weeks, months or years of each other. The anniversary of
death appears to be a devastating trigger of sudden death,” said Ivan
Mendoza M.D., Central University of Venezuela, and investigator of the
study.
“Physicians should be aware that mental stress,
such as the anniversary effect, may induce sudden death in susceptible
individuals.”
According to Dr. Mendoza, patients may be
especially vulnerable if they have a history of heart attack, family
history of sudden death or coronary disease, and cardiovascular risk
factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes,
smoking, obesity or a sedentary lifestyle. Psychological factors
associated with coronary artery disease like anger, stress, emotional
trauma, depression or anxiety are also linked to sudden death.
Nearly 80 percent of the patients (10 cases) who
died suddenly under the anniversary effect were male. The reason for
this is not understood, but may reflect gender differences in response
to stressful situations.
Dr. Marques says that women could be less
susceptible to higher levels of stress hormones including catecholamines
due to protective mechanisms from certain molecules, including estrogens
and protein Gi response pathways, which are thought to prevent damage to
the heart.
This and previous studies have indicated that
cardiovascular mortality is affected by the anticipation or experience
of psychological factors and symbolic occasions. These findings may have
implications for clinical practice and for research, according to the
researchers.
“Avoidance of stress is not possible for
individuals leading a full life,” said Dr. Mendoza.
“However, integrative medicine, including
psychological management, stress reduction interventions, and the
development of tailored behavioral interventions based on individual
patient risk factors, may be warranted.”
Drs. Mendoza and Marques presented their study on
Sudden Death and the Anniversary Effect on Saturday, March 29 at the
meeting
Editor’s Notes:
The American College of Cardiology (www.acc.org)
represents the majority of board certified cardiovascular physicians in
the United States. Its mission is to advocate for quality cardiovascular
care through education, research, promotion, development and application
of standards and guidelines- and to influence health care policy. ACC.08
is the largest cardiovascular meeting, bringing together cardiologists
and cardiovascular specialists to share the newest discoveries in
treatment and prevention, while helping the ACC achieve its mission to
address and improve issues in cardiovascular medicine.
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Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
March
31, 2008 - If the date of a loved one’s passing is approaching, beware.
The anniversary of the death of a close family member, especially a
mother or father, is a significant trigger for Sudden Death (SD),
especially in men, according to research presented today at the American
College of Cardiology’s 57th Annual Scientific Session.