Parents often tell their teenage children they “won’t die from a broken heart”, when they are saddened from a breakup or have a big argument with their best friend. Some parents may even use the phrase, “there are more fish in the sea”. That is not to say that hurt and anguish does not result from such stressors, because it does.
But, what if “the fish in your sea” has been your marital partner for more than twenty years, and you don’t want any other fish, can’t fish, or haven’t fished for the past twenty years or more?
Did you know that you can die from a broken heart, or fall very ill from having one? Social media has made it easy to read and to share heartfelt stories of marital couples dying within days or months of one another, especially when they have spent so many years of their lives together. Having a spouse pass away is one of the single most stressful life occurrences that someone can go through. It can cause extreme anguish and emotional distress that lingers.
One of the most publicized discussions of this “Broken Heart Syndrome” phenomenon was when June Carter suddenly passed away leaving Johnny Cash, her spouse of 35 years, grief stricken. It was speculated that when Cash passed away four months later, that it was from a broken heart.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is an actual medical condition called “Broken Heart Syndrome”, also called stress cardiomyopathy. It is thought that a rush of adrenaline takes over and overwhelms the body when a major life change, emotional stress, or physical trauma happens to an individual. Losing a spouse or someone very close to you is very impactful; physically and mentally distressing and often sudden.
Symptoms of “Broken Heart Syndrome” can mimic a heart attack with chest pain and shortness of breath, and help should also be sought for any irregular heartbeats. Broken Heart Syndrome and the cause of the heart malfunction is different than a heart attack. However, in a heart attack, there is often a partial to complete blockage of the blood flow of an artery. In Broken Heart Syndrome, there is reduced blood flow in the arteries, without blockage of any kind. It is more common in women than men, that are over age fifty, and/or have anxiety/depression.
Physicians will often prescribe certain medicines to block the stress hormones from attacking the heart and causing damage if they suspect illness or distress of the heart. * If you know someone who has suffered a traumatic life event or stressor, give them your support or join a support group with them.
*See below for bereavement support services for you or a loved one:
- Hospice of Western Reserve, (216) 383-2222 Location: 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110.
- Cleveland Clinic 216) 444-9819 Location: All support groups are held online or via conference call. Open to Cleveland Clinic Hospice Families.
- River’s Edge (216) 688-1111 Location: 3430 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44111
- GriefShare https://www.griefshare.org/ to find support groups or events near you.
