Is it truly possible to die from a broken heart?

Is it possible to die from a broken heart or is it just a theme in romantic songs?

The answer is affirmative.

As per the American Heart Association, a genuine broken heart caused by an extremely stressful or abrupt traumatic incident can result in cardiac problems leading to death.

But how prevalent is the condition known as "broken heart syndrome"? Let's delve into it...

Stress cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a legitimate ailment with symptoms that imitate those of a heart attack. Experts believe it is a physical reaction to intense emotional distress that temporarily weakens the heart.

Harvard Medical School states that takotsubo cardiomyopathy involves the weakening of the heart's primary pumping chamber, the left ventricle. It usually occurs due to intense emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one, a severe accident, or a natural disaster. However, this is not an exhaustive list of stressors linked to broken heart syndrome.

"If you perceive the heart as a pump responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, a sudden weakening of the heart muscle could lead to a situation where vital organs do not receive sufficient blood supply, potentially resulting in death," states Dr. Ilan Wittstein from Johns Hopkins, a co-author of a 2005 study on the syndrome.

Fortunately, although it is a possibility, The Cleveland Clinic assures that death from broken heart syndrome is an extremely rare occurrence.

How Does Acute Stress Affect the Heart?

Dr. Wittstein explains that during a stressful episode, the body releases hormones and proteins like adrenaline and noradrenaline to help cope with the stress.

In this scenario, the excessive production of adrenaline may have adverse effects. The cardiologist mentions that a surge of adrenaline can overwhelm the heart muscle, leading to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart due to the narrowing of small arteries that supply it with blood.

He further adds that this sudden increase in adrenaline can disrupt the normal beating of the heart. Unlike a heart attack, where the heart muscle is permanently damaged and the coronary arteries are blocked, broken heart syndrome does not cause enduring harm to the heart muscle or blockages in the coronary arteries. Fortunately, these effects usually subside within days or weeks, and most individuals recover fully without any fatalities.

Increasing Incidence of Broken Heart Syndrome

Many of us have heard anecdotes or experienced firsthand cases of individuals succumbing shortly after the death of a spouse due to this condition.

It comes as no surprise that following the millions of sudden deaths during the COVID pandemic, the rates of broken heart syndrome have surged. However, instances of this syndrome were on the rise even before the advent of COVID.

A study published in the October 2021 issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association observed a rise in the prevalence of broken heart syndrome between 2006 and 2017. The study disclosed that more than 135,460 Americans experienced this syndrome during that period.

Women between the ages of 50 and 74 witnessed the most significant increase in cases of broken heart syndrome.

Why Are Post-Menopausal Women at Greater Risk?

The reason why post-menopausal women face a higher risk of broken heart syndrome remains unclear. However, some specialists theorize that it could be related to the hormone estrogen in women, which helps shield the heart from the detrimental effects of adrenaline.

As women age and their estrogen levels decline, they might become more susceptible to the impacts of sudden stress.

Final Thoughts

While sudden stressful events cannot be entirely avoided, managing emotional stress can enhance heart health and potentially prevent broken heart syndrome.

Engage in activities that help alleviate stress on a daily basis to better cope with unforeseen events. Incorporate stress-relieving practices like yoga, exercise, prayer, and meditation into your healthy routine.

If you are faced with a sudden and distressing emotional situation, reach out to trusted friends and family for support. Do not hesitate to seek therapy, grief counseling, or join support groups to navigate through challenging times.

Lastly, if you or a loved one experiences severe chest pain or difficulty breathing suddenly, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and call 911.