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Can You Die From a Broken Heart? Yes, Doctors Say
9 Sep
Summary
- Emotional distress can cause 'broken heart syndrome', mimicking heart attacks.
- This condition, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is more common in women.
- While less deadly for women, it can be fatal in rare cases.
A condition known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or 'broken heart syndrome,' can indeed affect the heart due to intense emotional distress. Board-certified cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Jeremy London explains that this temporary weakening of the heart muscle often follows significant emotional or physical stress, presenting symptoms similar to a heart attack.
While diagnostic tests can help differentiate it from a typical heart attack, which is caused by blocked arteries, takotsubo cardiomyopathy involves transient heart muscle dysfunction. Dr. London notes that the condition is observed more frequently in women, though it tends to be more dangerous for men when they contract it. This condition can lead to serious, and in rare cases, fatal complications.
Treatment primarily involves observation and supportive care. Importantly, individuals experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or nausea should seek emergency medical attention immediately, rather than attributing them solely to emotional stress. The possibility of dying from a broken heart, though rare, is real.
