A new study shows that recent widows and widowers are at more risk for heart attack and stroke.

Older adults who had lost their spouse were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke in the 30 days after the loss of their husband or wife.  The elevated risk declined significantly after the 30-day period.

The study said after three months the widows and widowers were back to equal risk for heart attack or stroke as those who have not lost a loved one.

The British study looked at more than 30,000 adults between 60 and 89 during the seven years between 2005 and 2012.  The study participants were compared to a control group of more than 83,000 adults who did not lose a spouse during that time.

The researchers say that those going through a loss should seek counseling and psychological help them through the grieving process.  They should also make sure not to neglect their own health care during that time.