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Love and heartbreak are human experiences. Heartbreak is not restricted to the end of a relationship. It can be unrequited love, the death of a loved one, divorce, unmet expectations we have of another. Or other severe emotional conditions.
Harvard Medical School recently published an article about a phenomenon known as Broken Heart Syndrome. It is a real condition known as Stress Cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome, and can be deadly. But most people recover quickly without any long lasting effects. Although it mimics a heart attack, the key difference is that in broken heart syndrome there are typically no blockages in the coronary arteries
While dying from a broken heart sounds like something that happens only in romance novels, it can grab the headlines. In 2016, actress Debbie Reynolds unexpectedly died four days after the passing of her daughter, actress Carrie Fisher. Headlines blared, “Can Someone Die of A Broken Heart?”
Broken heart syndrome isn’t what the media has painted it to be, but it can be fatal for about 1% of people who experience it. Previously it was thought that it affected mainly women over the age of 50, but a recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine indicates a marked increase in the percentage of men affected as well. Researchers attribute this to the likelihood of, at some point beyond mid-life, the response to stress can weaken or stun the heart.
An ultrasound (echocardiogram) of the heart can show how well the heart is contracting and whether the heart has taken on what has been officially termed as the Takotsubo shape. Your heart suddenly changes shape and weakens.
While older women are the most likely to develop broken heart syndrome they also have the best chances of recovery. Men and younger people are less likely to get the syndrome, but their outcomes are typically worse when they get it.
Broken hearts can heal. Some may need ongoing treatment and stress management techniques. It’s important to follow up with a cardiologist who can tell you when your heart muscle has fully recovered. To reduce your risk of this and other heart related condition, you can invest in self care practices that will enhance your emotional well being:
Marjorie, it’s so common to see a surviving spouse die shortly after the first. I always wrote this off to emotions. I never imagined a physical change to the heart. This is fascinating.
You make a very good point, Dan. The strong mind, heart, body connection between lifetime partners is inextricably entwined.
Thanks so much, Marjorie, for this interesting and helpful post. I didn’t know the Japanese word for broken heart syndrome, but I knew it existed. I’ve been very stressed the past several months because of the my responsibilities as board chair at a local nonprofit daycare center. For two years, I had a co-chair, but have been going it alone since January. Some personal issues have been stressful as well. I have found that the earlier in the day that I can get outside for a walk, the better. Scripture reading ( usually right after Humble Dollar 😉) is another good start. Fortunately, it looks like things are improving both at the daycare and at home, Reading Humble Dollar is always a good thing and sometimes it makes me chuckle. Other times, it brings a prayer. Thanks again for your post.
So glad you found the strength to persevere despite the difficulties you faced over the past months, through your faith and hope.
Thank you for your positive comments.
I’m pretty convinced my Aunt died of this. Uncle was in hospital with severe lung problems and poor prognosis. She was so devastated at prospect of losing him.
His daughter found her dead on the bathroom floor apparently of a cardiac arrest the next morning. He recovered and is still soldiering on without her.
I’m very sorry for your loss. There may have been minor undetected heart problems that contributed to this devastating outcome.
Im glad your uncle found the strength to soldier on.
Author’s note: Takotsubo is a Japanese word—taken from a pot used for catching Octopus. The heart takes on the shape of the pot with Takotsubo syndrome.