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Broken Hearts

Edi Stark explores broken heart syndrome, which is bought on by stress or shock. She talks to doctors and affected individuals to find out if people can die of a broken heart.

A study at St Andrews University discovered that the risk of death surges anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent during the first six months after a spouse has pass passed away because of what's known as 'broken heart syndrome'. The researchers followed 58,000 couples since 1991, and in effect, coined the "Widowhood effect," a condition that afflicts spouses in mourning, regardless of age. 40% of women and 26% of men surveyed died within three years of losing their spouse and 12 died on the same day. Dr Alexander Lyon a consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton has been involved in another study, which shows that the risk of dying suddenly from a cardiac arrest is 16 times higher the day after losing a spouse. Dr Lyons explains that a rush of overwhelming fear or extreme pain are the types of shock that may lead to a catastrophic heart failure. But it's not just "bad" emotions that can trigger "broken heart syndrome" it could equally be the shock of intense, unexpected happiness, such as winning the lottery. We speak to Yvonne Matienko who after seeing a crash and realising her daughter was involved suffered 'broken heart syndrome'. The trigger for the syndrome also called stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubi cardiomyopathy is the body's sudden, massive release of adrenaline, which can "stun" the bottom half of the main pumping chamber of the heart in effect paralysing it and requiring the top portion of the chamber to work much harder to compensate. We also hear from Dr Sadip Pant who has discovered that the stress of natural disasters can also break people's hearts. Dr Pant says that broken hearts syndrome is a perfect example of our brain- heart connection and highlights the emotional stress we have in our brain can lead to responses in the heart.

28 minutes

Last on

Thu 19 Feb 2015 05:02
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Scotland

Bereavement Support

Cruse Bereavement Care is there to support you after the death of someone close. If someone you know has died and you need to talk, you can call their helpline or get in touch by email. Support is offered throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland including face to face, telephone, email and group support, as well as information, publications and bereavement support for children. Support in Scotland is offered through Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland: 0845 600 2227
Email: helpline@cruse.org.ukΜύ

Bereavement Advice Centre is a free helpline and web-based information service which supports and advises people on what they need to do after a death. They welcome calls from bereaved people and the professionals and volunteers who support them and aims to give straightforward, useful information, advice and signposting when you need it.
Helpline: 0800 634 9494 or 01789 265077 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)

Care for the Family’s Widowed Young Support Initiative offers hope and support to those who have lost a partner at a young age.
Phone: 029 2081 0800
Email mail@cff.org.uk to be put in touch with a befriender
Widowed Young Support:

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. They are there in times of difficulty to provide a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and information.
If you think you need Breathing Space call 0800 83 85 87 (6pm til 2am Monday to Thursday and 24 hours at the weekend).Μύ A BSL service is also available via the website.

Samaritans is available for anyone struggling to cope round the clock, every single day of the year. They provide a safe place to talk where calls are completely confidential. Get in touch by phone or email or find the details for the local branch online
Phone: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org

The Silver Line is a confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK open every day and night of the year. Their specially trained helpline staff offer information, friendship and advice, link callers to local groups and services, offer regular befriending calls and protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect.
Helpline: 0800 4 70 80 90

Age UK is a charity dedicated to improving later life for all. They provide free information, advice and support on the issues that matter to older people.
Age Scotland Helpline: 0845 125 9732
Alternatively visit their website where they can also put you in touch with your local Age UK.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 3 Dec 2014 13:32
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Scotland
  • Thu 4 Dec 2014 05:02
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Scotland
  • Thu 19 Feb 2015 05:02
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Scotland

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