Can you die of a broken heart?

Yes, it’s true — you can actually die from a “broken heart”. Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, tends to mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. While symptoms between the two are similar, broken heart syndrome is typically a temporary condition triggered by severe emotional distress.

What is broken heart syndrome?

Broken heart syndrome can occur even if you are healthy. Sudden emotional distress can cause the heart muscle to weaken rapidly and temporarily enlarge the lower part of the left ventricle, causing shortness of breath and intense chest pain. Some common events that bring on broken heart syndrome include the loss of a loved one, intense fear, job loss, divorce, financial stress, extreme anger or COVID-19. But, it doesn’t necessarily have to be bad news that triggers the syndrome. Even good shocks like winning the lottery or a surprise party have been linked to some cases of broken heart syndrome.

While broken heart syndrome can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack and can even test like a heart attack, it does not cause blocked arteries in the heart and is unlikely to cause permanent heart damage. Treatment for a heart attack or broken heart syndrome is the same. However, the recovery time for broken heart syndrome is much shorter, usually days or weeks, compared to a month or more for heart attack recovery. Never try to self-diagnose broken heart syndrome if symptoms present. It is still important to seek medical care if symptoms occur to rule out a possible heart attack.

Who gets broken heart syndrome?

Postmenopausal women account for about 90% of cases with broken heart syndrome. While the exact reason this occurs mainly in women is unknown, it has been suggested that as levels of estrogen decrease in the body following menopause, it may make women more susceptible to the effects of severe and sudden stress. Evidence suggests that people with depression, anxiety, or a history of stroke, asthma, or seizures are also at a higher risk for developing broken heart syndrome. Cannabis use is also suggested to increase the risk of an event threefold over non-cannabis users.

Can broken heart syndrome be prevented?

Currently, there are no known preventative treatments for broken heart syndrome. However, learning how to manage stress and focusing on relaxation techniques can help limit how the body responds to emotional stress. Meditation, yoga, journaling, and breathing exercises are all ways that can help regulate the body's response to stress. In addition to relaxation techniques, general heart-healthy habits can help ensure long-term overall heart health. Eating a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly, avoiding heavy alcohol use, not smoking and keeping up with medical appointments are all important things to keep your heart healthy.