Heart failure due to emotional distress is possible, albeit extremely rare
Heartbreak and grief can take a toll on our physical health, with one of the most notable effects being a condition known as broken heart syndrome or stress-induced cardiomyopathy. This temporary heart condition, triggered by severe emotional stress, causes a surge of stress hormones, leading to the heart temporarily enlarging, the left ventricle weakening, and the heart pumping unevenly. The symptoms resemble those of a heart attack, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, but unlike a heart attack, it does not involve blocked arteries and is usually reversible if treated promptly[1][2][3].
Beyond the direct cardiac effects, prolonged grief and heartbreak also impact overall body health. They can cause elevated blood pressure, chronic inflammation, disrupted hormone levels, particularly cortisol, and a weakened immune system. These physiological changes can raise the risk of heart disease, respiratory and digestive problems, and increase mortality risk, particularly among bereaved spouses or partners in the first few years after loss[1][2][3].
Heartbreak can produce broader physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, stomach pain, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, reflecting the deep mind-body connection in emotional distress[5].
It's important to note that a rise in blood pressure can increase the risk for blood clots. Living with heartbreak and grief can cause a rise in blood pressure. However, it's possible, but not likely, to die from a broken heart[4].
Long-term feelings of heartbreak can potentially lead to depression. For those experiencing longer-lasting feelings of heartache or grief, it's advisable to seek help from a mental health professional[6].
Strong emotions like grief, anger, fear, and excitement elicit physical changes in your body. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritise self-care and seek timely medical care and mental health support, such as grief therapy or counseling, to help mitigate these effects[1][3].
If showing signs of a heart attack, it's essential to seek emergency medical attention immediately. Heart attacks can be very serious and life-threatening, particularly for those who are already at high risk or have heart disease[7].
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370402
[2] American Heart Association. (2021). Broken heart syndrome. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/broken-heart-syndrome
[3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy
[4] American Psychological Association. (2020). Can you die of a broken heart? https://www.apa.org/topics/broken-heart
[5] Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Broken heart syndrome. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/broken-heart-syndrome
[6] HelpGuide.org. (2021). Grief and loss. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/grief-and-loss.htm
[7] American Heart Association. (2021). Heart attacks. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks
- The physiological changes resulting from prolonged grief and heartbreak, such as elevated blood pressure and disrupted hormone levels, have been linked to a higher risk of not only cardiovascular health issues but also respiratory and digestive problems, accentuating the need for health and wellness stewardship.
- Heartbreak syndrome, or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a temporary heart condition, often triggered by severe emotional stress, that can have lasting impacts beyond the cardiac system, provoking inflammation, altered hormone levels, and weakened immune functioning, thereby exacerbating mental-health concerns and increasing overall morbidity.
- As heartbreak can trigger a surge of stress hormones, resulting in conditions akin to heart attack symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, it is crucial to be aware of the role of emotional health in cardiovascular wellness and take prompt action by seeking medical and mental-health support in such instances.
