Scientists confirm that the death of your loved one can break your heart

The death of a significant other may actually break your heart, research suggests. People who lose a partner are at an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat, the new study has found.

The condition, known as atrial fibrillation, is itself a risk factor for stroke and heart failure.

Researchers said the risk appears to be greatest in younger people after the death of their loved one. The risk also increases when loss is least expected, they added.