“Dying of love” is a popular expression, and the subject of countless works of art and literature over the centuries. Although it is often It is considered As a matter of fact, science reveals that heartbreak can have real effects on the heart and overall health.
The heart has always been a symbol of love and human emotions, but science and medicine have shown that The relationship between heartbreak and heart problems Exceed Romantic symbolism.
A broken heart is more than just a metaphor
Heartbreak can actually lead to heart problems. studies Turns out that intense emotional experiences, Especially those associated with the end of relationships or Loss of a family memberIt can lead to physical symptoms in the heart.
- Increased activity of the autonomic nervous system: During times of emotional stress, the autonomic nervous system is activated, triggering the “fight or flight” response. This results in the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can have negative effects on the heart, leading to increased blood pressure and heart rate.
- Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction: Chronic emotional stress can inflame the inner lining of the arteries. This can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, which is the formation of plaques in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits: Heartbreak often leads to sleep disturbances, lack of appetite or binge eating, and changes in exercise patterns. These behaviors can have negative effects on cardiovascular health, contributing to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis: Emotional stress can also activate the HPA axis, leading to the release of hormones such as cortisol. Prolonged increases in cortisol levels can lead to a number of harmful effects on the body, including high blood pressure and suppression of the immune system, which can negatively impact heart health.
A “broken heart” causes injuries similar to a heart attack
a Broken heart syndrome It is a fact recognized by medicine: chest tightness similar to what you feel during a heart attack. A traumatic event such as death or separation can trigger this process – one or more of the arteries that supply the heart become blocked, don't deliver enough oxygen to the heart and the affected cells die.
The medical condition began to be studied in the 1990s by Japanese researchers, who gave it a name Takotsubo disease.
37 people suffering from heartbreak and heart injuries
in Research funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), scientists concluded that the injuries could be permanent.
For two years, researchers monitored 37 people with it Broken heart syndrome or Takotsubo disease.
In the study, the researchers revealed that in all participants, Muscle tissue has lost its elasticity, which changes the contraction of each heartbeat. These consequences are the same as those of a heart attack.
“Takotsubo is a devastating disease that can suddenly bring even healthy people to their knees,” explained Professor Jeremy Pearson, Medical Director at the BHF. “We thought the effects of this life-threatening disease were temporary, but now we realize it can continue to affect people for the rest of their lives.”
Pearson said there is no long-term cure for patients, as doctors have always believed that everyone with the condition will recover completely sooner or later.
“This research shows that there are long-term effects on heart health, and suggests that we should treat patients in the same way as we treat people at risk of heart failure,” he concludes.
Is there anyone at greater risk for broken heart syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome does not discriminate based on age, gender, or marital status. Anyone who experiences severe emotional stress, as a result of a broken heart or major loss, is always at risk of developing this heart condition.
However, there are some factors that can increase vulnerability:
- Advanced age: Studies suggest that older adults may be at greater risk of developing broken heart syndrome, perhaps due to increased exposure to underlying medical conditions or heightened response to emotional stress.
- History of heart disease: Individuals with a history of heart disease or other cardiovascular health problems may be at greater risk of developing broken heart syndrome, as the heart may already be compromised in terms of function and health.
- Genetic predisposition: there Investigations This suggests that genetic predisposition may play a role in susceptibility to broken heart syndrome, but more studies are needed to fully understand this relationship.
- High levels of chronic stress: People who deal with high levels of stress, whether due to financial problems, hard work, or strained relationships, may be at greater risk of developing broken heart syndrome when they experience an emotionally traumatic event.
(Some) Strategies for Coping with Heartbreak
Coping with heartbreak may seem like a daunting task, but there are strategies that can help deal with this emotional pain.
- Sharing feelings with friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide comfort and perspective.
- Make time to take care of yourself, whether through physical exercise, meditation, hobbies or relaxing activities that help you regain emotional balance.
- Learn to recognize your emotional limits, don't force yourself through the pain too quickly and give yourself time to process your feelings.
- Listen to (good) music. Music has the ability to influence our emotions. Let music be your ally in the ups and downs of your love life.
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