Share

Can you die of a broken heart?

Many characters in classic novels have been known, upon hearing of the death of their companion or lover, to  die on the spot from the emotional trauma of it all.

However, dying of a broken heart isn't solely the preserve of fiction – there have long been rumours of real people dropping dead after something as traumatic as the loss of their spouse.

And what's more, there appears to be proof. A 1969 study by the British Medical Journal showed that, among 4 500 widowers surveyed, their chance of dying in the 6 months following the death of their spouse was 40% higher than average. 

More recent studies have supported this, though subsequent medical advancements have resulted in the rate dropping to around 30%.

Read: The chemistry of love

The most dramatic cause of death from heartbreak is something called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy which can lead to sudden, and lethal, heart failure. 

This condition is most common in post-menopausal women but can affect anyone suffering from severe emotional trauma.

The main cause seems to be a flood of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which put the muscles of the heart under extreme pressure. 

Even if this stress doesn't kill you outright, it can still lead to a slew of other health issues which can make your grip on life somewhat precarious.

Read more:

In love and broke?
Tips on dealing with death
Marriage is good for your health

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE