It is in fact true that a person can die from a broken heart. According to an article by ABC News, after experiencing emotional turmoil, it is possible for a distressed person to pass from heart complications caused by heartbreak. Broken Heart Syndrome occurs as a result of the heart being unable to pump blood because of a surge of hormones shooting through the body. In addition, a person is much more likely to experience other heart complications, such as stroke and heart attack, when under emotional stress.
Broken heart syndrome is different than a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by blood blockages so that oxygen cannot reach the heart. On the other hand, Broken Heart Syndrome does not show any indications of blood clots or blocked arteries. It is important to note that deaths and break ups are not the only triggers of broken heart syndrome. Positive shocks can even cause Broken Heart Syndrome. For example, there was a case in which someone experienced Broken Heart Syndrome after being shocked by a surprise party.
Although Broken Heart Syndrome can lead to death, thus establishing that yes, one can die from a broken heart, those that are able to survive an episode of Broken Heart Syndrome have a quick recovery. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks for a patient to fully recover from Broken Heart Syndrome (The American Heart Association).
One statistic, found by a research team at St. George’s University , showed that “16 per 10,000 people whose partners died experienced heart attacks or strokes within 30 days of their partner dying, compared with only 8 per 10,000 from the control population” (Jama). More indirect causes of death as a result of heartbreak occur as a result of complications in areas other than the heart. For example, blood clotting and blood pressure can be negatively affected if someone is upset enough.
It is important to be aware of such health complications as Broken Heart Syndrome can easily be played off as a myth. I wasn’t sure myself if it was true before writing this blog. There is not many prevention methods for Broken Heart Syndrome other than to try to mitigate one’s emotions and stress when he or she is extremely upset.
I really like the idea of extrapolating upon something physically observable by someone, such as stress or extreme sadness, being scientifically approached for the sake of practical applications! I´m a strong believer in the physiological combinations of emotional health and physical wellness being very strongly linked, in addition to their cohesion and the importance of the balance of health in both areas of one’s life!
Wow! You really do learn something new everyday. Like you, until I read this blog, I always thought dying of a broken heart wasn’t a scientifically possible thing. But now knowing that it is possible is sort of cool. I find it so interesting how much our emotions really effect our physical well being. I’ve heard stories of people who died just moments after their spouses past. They aren’t coincidences, they are just broken hearts.
I’ve always wondered if it was true whether or not someone could die from a broken heart. This article really does show how big of an impact love has on an individual. This shows that it really is important to resolve emotional issues instead of just ignoring them.
I really like this post. I found it easy to relate to, going through anything from the passing of a loved one to a tough end to a relationship. My heart would literally ache, but not to the point of death. I am really glad that you posted this. I think that those who read it will think twice about getting down on themselves or overthinking a topic not only for their emotional better, but for their overall health as well.