Can You Die Of A Broken Heart?

The metaphor of a broken heart to describe intense emotional pain has been a favorite among poets and jilted lovers since the beginning of time. In 1990, Japanese scientists discovered that the hurt felt after a messy breakup or the loss of a loved one affects the heart—but it doesn't necessarily break it. Sudden turmoil temporarily enlarges a part of the heart and prevents it from pumping efficiently, yet the rest of your heart maintains normal function.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome (BHS), primarily affects women (88% of cases) and is more common in women ages 58 to 77. It can be triggered by divorce, an unexpected death, job loss, natural disasters and other challenging events.

According to the American Heart Association, broken heart syndrome can be misdiagnosed as a heart attack because it shares many symptoms, including sudden, intense chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats. Symptoms may begin within minutes of the traumatic event or appear after several hours. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Fortunately, tests such as an electrocardiogram or coronary angiogram can help emergency care providers tell the difference. In the case of broken heart syndrome, tests will show no signs of heart damage or blockages in the coronary arteries. But BHS can still be frightening because it mimics heart attack pain due to a surge of stress hormones.

Thankfully, most people who suffer heartbreak recover quickly and don't experience long-lasting complications, though some do exist. According to the Mayo Clinic, those rare problems include:

• Backup of fluid into the lungs
• Blood clots in the heart
• Heart failure
• Irregular heartbeats
• Low blood pressure

Ultimately, the answer to the age-old question is yes. A person can die of a broken heart, but it is extremely rare. Experts aren't sure why it happens, but they hypothesize it is due to a flood of adrenaline. Even an electrocardiogram will flag it as a heart attack if the heart stops contracting. Death would only occur in the unlikely event that heart failure isn't resolved.

However, a way to potentially lower the risk of Takotsubo syndrome is to reduce stress. A 2021 study in the European Heart Journal found that prolonged stress increases the chances of broken heart syndrome. Researchers have become more interested in what they call the "mind-heart-body connection" in recent years. Their studies examine how an emotional ailment can manifest physically. They suggest strengthening social connections, practicing self-care and seeking therapy to develop better coping skills.

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