Can You Really Die Of A Broken Heart?

May 25, 2023 | Samantha Henman

Can You Really Die Of A Broken Heart?


As far as metaphorical symbols go, few are as enmeshed in everyday life as the heart. Sure, it’s the life-giving organ that pumps blood throughout our body, but it’s also the symbol of romantic love. And just on the other side of that is heartbreak. The subject of countless songs, referring to loss or longing as a broken heart goes back to ancient times. But hey, it’s just a metaphor. No one ever died of a broken heart, right? Well…not quite. 


It turns out that heartbreak can actually be fatal—but it’s extremely rare. Sometimes called broken heart syndrome, takotsubo cardiomyopathy is the closest thing to a physical manifestation of heartbreak that there is. It involves a weakening of the heart muscles, but here’s where feelings come in. While physical stressors on the body may play a part, it can also be caused by emotional stressors—which can of course include loss, divorce, or other trauma. 

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy editorialShutterstock

Studies found that patients who experienced takotsubo cardiomyopathy had high levels of a stress hormone in the brain, which can in turn have a dire effect on the heart. While most patients who experience it recover, it can be fatal. It can also lead to complications like heart failure and myocardial rupture. Luckily, it’s rare, making up only 0.02% of hospitalizations in the US. 

Thanks to its symptoms, takotsubo cardiomyopathy is often mistaken for myocardial infarction, or a heart attack. While medical treatments are used to resolve takotsubo cardiomyopathy, some of the classic cures for metaphorical heartbreak are also recommended. Learning to manage stress is one lifestyle change that can help. Another factor that helps symptoms to dissipate? Time—yes, the one that heals all wounds. However, it remains unclear if chocolate and a good cry at When Harry Met Sally works as well for cardiomyopathy as it does a broken heart.

Sources: 1, 2


More from Factinate

Featured Article

My mom never told me how her best friend died. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery.

Dark Family Secrets

Dark Family Secrets Exposed

Nothing stays hidden forever—and these dark family secrets are proof that when the truth comes out, it can range from devastating to utterly chilling.
April 8, 2020 Samantha Henman

Featured Article

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.

Madame de Pompadour Facts

Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.
December 7, 2018 Kyle Climans

More from Factinate

Featured Article

I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life.

These People Got Genius Revenges

When someone really pushes our buttons, we'd like to think that we'd hold our head high and turn the other cheek, but revenge is so, so sweet.
April 22, 2020 Scott Mazza

Featured Article

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but few people know her even darker history.

Catherine of Aragon Facts

Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s First Wife

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but very few people know her even darker history.
June 7, 2018 Christine Tran



Dear reader,


Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? We’re always looking for your input! Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your time!


Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. We want our readers to trust us. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Please let us know if a fact we’ve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect it’s inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,



The Factinate team




Want to learn something new every day?

Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter.

Thank you!

Error, please try again.