Broken heart syndrome or cardio myopathy is an actual condition brought about by a traumatic event like the loss of a loved one.
Overwhelming grief leads stress hormones to flood the system. It stuns the heart and seems as if the person has experienced a heart attack. Ninety percent of occurrences are in women, and most of these women are post-menopausal.
There is a significant connection between your mind and heart. When you feel nervous, your heartbeat speeds up. Imagine how an intensely stressful situation could affect your heart.
Your best bet is to strengthen your arteries. Diet and exercise are very important. Work on being mindful and practicing stress reduction in daily life.
Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum is an attending cardiologist who has devoted her career to the treatment of heart disease through early detection, education and prevention. She has been the Director of Women’s Heart Health of Northwell Lenox Hill for over 11 years, and is beginning as the Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Health, Prevention, and Wellness at The Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City.