Proof a broken heart can be mended

Researchers have shown it's not only possible to die from a broken heart, but also to recover from one.

Women are up to twice as likely to die in the year following a partner's death, the study by London's Cass Business School found.

And it looks like husbands are even more vulnerable - a man's chance of dying increases by up to six times in the 12 months after burying a partner.

But the research, based on analysis of 11,454 life annuity policies held by a Canadian insurer, suggests that after the first year the chance of the remaining partner dying falls.

The study's author, Dr Jaap Spreeuw, senior lecturer in actuarial science at Cass Business School, said: "It statistically proves that people can die of a broken heart during the earliest stages of bereavement. "

"The good news is that it also shows that after the first years of mourning, the chance of dying decreases, demonstrating that people can recover from losing their loved one."

The analysis was designed to help insurance companies price life assurance and pension policies.

Paul Sweeting, chairman of the Actuarial Profession's research steering committee, said: "This could help to make premiums fairer, both for life assurance policies and for annuities."

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