Question: I read your book, When Your Soulmate Dies. Is it true that people can die from a broken heart?
Yes, while commonly referred to ask “Broken Heart Syndrome” it is medically known as “takotsubo cardiomyopathy.” First described in 1990 in Japan, it is defined as a sudden, temporary weakening of the heart muscle triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress.
Symptoms of this syndrome onset from a few minutes after a stressful event and can include:
- Sudden and severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting of light headedness
- Heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms
- Low blood pressure
This syndrome may be diagnosed as a heart attack because the symptoms and test results may be similar. However, unlike a heart attack, there is no evidence of blocked arteries. The left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) temporarily balloons out at the bottom while the top stays narrow, resulting in a shape like a Japanese octopus pot (takosubo). As a result, part of the heart does not pump well.
Sadly, broken heart syndrome can lead to severe, short-term, heart muscle failure. In rare situations it can result in death. Fortunately, broken heart syndrome is usually treatable and most people make a full recovery within weeks. It is also at low risk for it recurring.
These findings certainly speak for those in grief to seek and accept the support they need and deserve.
See Dr. Wolfelt’s book When Your Soulmate Dies.
—
Dr. Alan Wolfelt has been recognized as one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counselors. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages. Founder of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado Dr. Wolfelt speaks on grief-related topics, offers trainings for caregivers, and has written many bestselling books and other resources on grief for both caregivers and grieving people. For more information visit www.centerforloss.com
