Can I Die From a Broken Heart?

"I want this to be over before it kills me." "I feel like I am dying. Can I really die from a broken heart?" These are common questions from people going through a difficult separation.
Broken heart syndrome (takotsubo cardiomyopathy) is a real condition, and you should take it seriously.
We use the term "broken heart" to describe our overall feelings when we experience loss or go through hard times. It might sound like a romantic description of otherwise horrible emotions, like a phrase from a Jane Austen novel. But in fact, broken heart syndrome is a legitimate health condition caused by a sudden, very intense, or ongoing amount of stress.
The symptoms are very similar to those of a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, low blood pressure, or fainting. These are real physical sensations, and as such, they can be very frightening.
The diagnosis is made in the same way as other heart problems: EKG, heart MRI, chest X-ray, coronary angiography, etc. You can heal from a broken heart, but it’s better to avoid it. Easier said than done, right?

Considering all this, during times of heartbreak, it’s incredibly important to prioritize your health and take good care of yourself. Sleeping, eating well, and exercising should hopefully already be part of your routine. If not, now is the time to start.
Ironically, in the midst of heartbreak, many of us struggle to engage in self-care. Some find it hard to sleep and can’t even imagine eating. Others sleep constantly or eat to numb the pain. Some find it difficult to get out of bed and do the basics, like showering or brushing their teeth.
The motivation to take care of ourselves may be missing due to disturbing thoughts like: "I’m worthless," "I’ve been thrown away," "No one cares if I live or die," or "There is no future." If these thoughts are familiar to you, you need a quick shift in mindset. These negative thoughts are based on a narrow perspective that stems from the actions of just one person in your life: your ex.
You have to find—or even create—your motivation. It could be a personal achievement: set a goal that you can work toward. This will shift your focus away from the pain, and you’ll come out of it as a better version of yourself than you were before the breakup or divorce began.
Or maybe even revenge! You can channel all your anger into a good workout. The benefits are not only improved physical fitness but also lower cortisol levels. Physical activity reduces the stress hormone, supports cardiovascular health, helps produce endorphins (one of the happiness hormones), and makes you look better, no matter your body type.
Sleep is the fountain of youth. It's the time for your body and brain to regenerate. Changing your diet for the better will show results in a few weeks—you’ll feel lighter and look more radiant. Consuming plenty of water, raw fruits, and vegetables not only benefits your health but also makes you feel and look healthier. And yes, healthy is attractive.
So don’t downplay broken heart syndrome. The danger is real, and you must defend yourself. Divorce damages many aspects of your life over which you have little control—it can affect your home, relationships with friends and family, and your financial situation. But don’t let it take your health—neither physical nor mental!