As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is on everyone’s mind. Many couples get engaged or married this time of year, making it a season of joy and celebration. But did you know that people can actually die of a broken heart?
The first time I heard of someone being diagnosed with “broken heart syndrome,” it was a friend who had been transported by ambulance to the hospital. When they returned home, they told me the doctor had assured them it wasn’t a heart attack—it was broken heart syndrome. At first, I thought they were exaggerating, but after some research, I learned that this condition is very real. Stress and grief can cause heart problems that mimic a heart attack, sometimes with serious consequences.
As our parents and loved ones age—many having been married for 50, 60, or even 70 years—we should remember that losing a lifelong partner is devastating. The grief that follows can take a real toll on their health, and in some cases, it can be fatal. During seasons that bring memories of love and loss, the heart is more vulnerable, both emotionally and physically.
So, as we celebrate love this time of year, let’s also extend kindness and care to those who may be struggling with loss.
