Study Offers Closer Look At 'Broken Heart Syndrome'

[Mike 03]

Can you die from a broken heart, massive stress or the sheer grief of losing a loved one, or the stress of knowing someone you loved is dying or may die? The jury is still out, but there are some events in our lives that have to make you wonder, huh? I sure believe it, but I'm not a doctor.

(Excerpt)

"Broken heart syndrome" is still a mystery to many in the medical community, but new data from researchers at The Miriam Hospital may shed some light on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of this relatively rare, life-threatening condition.

Researchers created a registry of 70 patients with the syndrome, known medically as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, who were diagnosed between July 2004 and April 2008. Two-thirds of the patients - almost all post-menopausal women - had experienced a very stressful physical or emotional event just before arriving at the hospital with heart attack-like symptoms. Although 20 percent were critically ill and required emergency treatment to keep them alive, all patients survived the first 48 hours and experienced a full and complete recovery,

The report is published in the April 1 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.

(Much more at Link)

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144014.php

[havocmom]

1. Years ago, saw a study about serious emotional upheaval and health issues

There was a staggering increase in incidence of cancer and other serious conditions within 5 years of stresses like divorce, loss. through death, of spouse or child.

My sister developed breast cancer within a year of her son's death. I know several others who ended up with cancer or heart attacks within a couple of years after divorce.

Our minds and bodies are connected, after all. Stress kills.

You take care of yourself, Mike.

How is your sis doin?

[NashVegas]

4. Is It The Stress That Kills, Or the Inability to Cope With It?

Some people work to bury their emotions in stressful times, others embrace the drama. I'd be curious to see if that's a factor.

[havocmom]

5. Had a little affirmation sign that really helped me in a very bad time:

Change, in & of its self, is not what is painful. It is the resistance TO change which causes pain. Thinking you might be on to something. Failure to deal with reality takes one hell of a toll on individuals, and as we see now, societies and nations.

[BanzaiBonnie]

2. My mother's heart was broken

when my sister "divorced" our family. (Borderline Personality Disorder is a terrible thing to deal with.)

Mom was diagnosed with heart disease and the docs said it would NEVER get better. Three years later and lots of "healing" emotionally the doctors could find no sign of heart disease.

[we can do it]

3. I Know It Killed My Grandpa, When Grandma Died of Cancer He Only Lasted

a few months. They were very close- he was a very young and active 77, good looking tan gardener (yes a kind hearted dem, too) I was their favorite grand kid- it just about did me in too.

[snappyturtle]

6. I've heard other stories just like yours and I totally believe hearts

are so connected with some people that when one succumbs it's like nature for the other to succomb too. Am I wrong or is there some kind of beauty in these stories? Personally I think, although sad, these incidences are beautiful examples of true love.