You Really Can Die From a Broken Heart
©2015 Health Realizations, Inc. Update
While the idea of dying from a broken heart may strike some as nothing more than folklore
-- Shakespearian, even research has proven the reality of such an occurrence.
When people encounter certain distressing situations, a flood of stress hormones are unleashed, taking a drastic toll on the heart and causing sudden life-threatening heart spasms in otherwise healthy people. Such situations may include:
- A traumatic romantic breakup
- The shock of a surprise party
- The death of a loved one
- Being in a car accident
One woman experienced sudden, intense chest pain after giving an emotional talk about her son's battle with mental illness. After being rushed to the hospital and treated for what doctors believed was a heart attack, it was discovered the woman had instead experienced an unusual heart malfunction ... otherwise referred to as broken heart syndrome.
How Does Broken Heart Syndrome Occur?
For centuries, doctors have understood that emotional shocks, similar to those listed above, can trigger heart attacks and sudden deaths. Yet broken heart syndrome, technically known as stress cardiomyopathy (myopathy meaning disease), is an unusual phenomenon; no one really knows why it happens.
In one study, researchers analyzed 19 patients who had what appeared to be traditional heart attacks after experiencing sudden emotional stress. All but one were women and most were post-menopausal. (It was learned that women are more vulnerable to suffer from a broken heart, as the occurrence may be correlated with hormones or how women's brains are wired to their hearts.) When researchers compared the 19 patients with other people who had experienced classic heart attacks, it was discovered:
- The patients had healthy, unclogged arteries
- The levels of stress hormones in their blood, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, were two to three times higher than those suffering from classic heart attacks
Researchers suspect high amounts of stress hormones go straight to the heart and produce a startle to the heart muscle that causes a temporary dysfunction. Instead of killing the heart muscle like a heart attack would, it simply renders it helpless.
An additional explanation as to why people suffer from broken heart syndrome is that grief kicks the body's "fight or flight" response into overdrive. Instead of fleeing, however, the body is placed in a state of prolonged activation, completely void of direction or outlet or purpose. Therefore, this prolonged stressed response takes its toll on the cardiovascular system, causing heart attack-like symptoms.
Unlike heart attacks, those suffering from broken
heart syndrome begin recovery within a few days and
are completely recovered within two weeks' time.
Can You Prevent Broken Heart Syndrome?
Some researchers believe understanding how broken heart syndrome occurs will allow people to successfully cope with stress and protect their heart heath. Yet opposing researchers note the abrupt and unforeseeable nature of the stress suggests the condition may not be something people can learn to control.
For victims recovering from a broken heart, it is suggested that they rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Other preventative methods include nutritional supplementation, exercise (in order to keep the heart and mind healthy) and learning to effectively cope with stress.
Nutrient plays a major role in supporting heart health.
When stress in the broken-hearted individual becomes chronic and is accompanied by excessive “fight or flight” responses, it can take its toll and lead to adrenal exhaustion or burnout.
Give Them Some LOVE and Emotional Support
If you know someone going through a severe loss, especially during periods around the Holiday Season, do not hesitate to stay in touch with them. If they have lost someone close, share cherished remembered stories. Recall funny experiences, as laughter is one of the most healing natural treatments we all can use.
If Feeling Alone
Don’t forget you’re loved and never truly alone. Within the new worldwideweb, from Facebook and chat rooms there are many ways to reach out and connect with loved ones and able to make new friends faster than ever before.
If you want to keep your thoughts private consider journaling. If and when you want to share your heart felt love, joy, wishes, etc. then consider posting some thoughts online.
Love yourself by counting all your blessings and our many God-given attributes.
Being There... For Others
Although at times you may feel there is no way you could feel worse, consider those who may well be in more challenging circumstances than you. Consider ways your emotional support might be appreciated by others in food lines where you could donate your time. If a close friend is who you think may appreciate your emotional support, then remember what most people appreciate most are those who ask them questions and are willing to "simply listen"
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