Can You Really Die of a Broken Heart?
The Truth About Grief and Healing
True or False? Do you think someone can die from a broken heart? If you said, “true”, you are correct. While the phrase, “dying of a broken heart,” may sound poetic, science tells us there is a truth behind the phrase. The intense grief that comes after losing a loved one can actually impact the body in very real ways.
Case in point – my great-grandmother died within two years of her husband, my great-grandfather’s passing. Family scuttlebutt told the story of how she missed him so much, that she eventually passed away at the age of 67.
The Riepenkroger Family - mid 1920’s - Leavenworth, KS. Seated is Teresa and William, my great-grandparents. Standing far left is my grandmother, Mary.
How a Broken Heart Can Affect Health
Grief doesn’t just stay in the mind—it ripples through the body. One of the most recognized conditions linked to loss is Broken Heart Syndrome (also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy). In moments of overwhelming emotional stress, the body releases a flood of stress hormones that can stun the heart, making it difficult to pump blood effectively.
While rare, this can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. In some cases, especially among those who are already vulnerable, it can lead to life-threatening complications. This is why you’ll sometimes hear stories of long-married couples passing within days or weeks of each other.
How Often is it Fatal?
According to the American Heart Association, among those hospitalized with Broken Heart Syndrome, the overall in‑hospital mortality rate is about 6.5%. Interestingly, there is a gender disparity with 11.2% of men dying from a broken heart versus 5.5% of women.
Why the disparity?
Men, who less commonly experience the syndrome, but when they do, it's often triggered by severe physical stress (e.g., illness), compared to emotional stress in women—which tends to result in worse outcomes Healthline+10San Francisco Chronicle+10The Economic Times+10.
Men have a lower tendency to seek social or emotional support may prolong stress and worsen recovery UnityPoint Health+4San Francisco Chronicle+4People.com+4.
Complications contributing to the fatality include congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, stroke, and cardiac arrest Baptist Health+13People.com+13American Heart Association+13.
Healing After Loss
Though grief is unavoidable, healing is possible. Here are some gentle ways to care for yourself or others walking through deep sorrow:
Allow Yourself to Feel: Grief has no timeline. It’s okay to cry, to be angry, or to sit in silence. Suppressing emotions often makes healing harder.
Lean on Support: Family, friends, or support groups can provide comfort. Talking about your loved one keeps their memory alive while lightening your emotional load.
Care for Your Body: Grief can affect sleep, appetite, and energy. Simple things—like eating nourishing meals, walking, or resting—help strengthen your body during this time.
Seek Professional Help: Counselors, grief coaches, or therapists can guide you through the storm of emotions, offering tools to cope in healthy ways.
Create Rituals of Remembrance: Lighting a candle, journaling, or creating a memory box can transform pain into a sense of connection.
Final Thoughts
While you can die from a broken heart, it’s not inevitable. More often, grief is a journey—painful at first, but also capable of leading to new strength and meaning. With support, compassion, and time, hearts can find ways to mend.
Until next time,
Coach Deborah Griffiths
Website: www.brokentoboldness.com
Email: deborah@brokentoboldness.com
P.S.: Whether you're looking for tools to support your healing journey and personal growth resources. Explore guides, books, reflections, and practical content designed to help you grow in confidence, clarity, and courage as you move from brokenness to boldness. You can access our resources on the links below:
Handling Life Transitions? Alignment Workbook
Start your journey to Self-Discovery and Growth with The Bold and Boldness Journal
Learn the Importance of Telling Your Story: Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Open Up!