Can you die from heartbreak? Sadly, yes
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We’ve all heard the phrase 'died of a broken heart'—it’s the stuff of poetry, love songs, and old Hollywood films.
But as it turns out, this isn’t just a romantic notion or a figure of speech.
Science is now confirming what many of us have long suspected: the pain of losing a loved one can have very real, and sometimes fatal, consequences for our health.
A recent study out of Denmark, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, has shed new light on just how powerful grief can be.
Researchers followed 1,735 bereaved relatives over a decade, tracking their emotional wellbeing and physical health.
The results were sobering: those who experienced 'high levels' of grief were more than three times as likely to die within ten years of their loss compared to those who coped with 'low levels' of grief.
But what exactly does 'high levels' of grief mean?
In this study, it referred to people experiencing more than half of nine key symptoms, including feeling emotionally numb, struggling to accept the loss, feeling that life is meaningless, and even confusion about their own identity.
These aren’t just passing feelings—they’re deep, persistent, and can be overwhelming.
The researchers didn’t just stop at emotional symptoms. They also looked at how often participants used healthcare services.
Unsurprisingly, those with intense grief were more likely to need antidepressants, mental health support, and frequent visits to their GP.
According to study coauthor Mette Kjærgaard Nielsen, these individuals often needed extra support even before their loved one passed away, highlighting just how vulnerable some people are in the face of loss.
So, what’s actually happening in the body when we grieve? The answer is both fascinating and a little frightening.
Prolonged grief and stress can wreak havoc on our physical health. Cardiologists have long known about 'broken heart syndrome' (also called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy), a condition where extreme emotional stress causes the heart muscle to weaken, mimicking the symptoms of a heart attack. While most people recover, it can be fatal in some cases.
But the risks don’t stop there. Chronic stress from bereavement can raise blood pressure, spike cortisol (the stress hormone), increase the risk of diabetes, and worsen mental health.
Source: Institute of Human Anatomy / Youtube.
There’s even evidence that some people are more likely to die on the anniversary of their loved one’s passing—a haunting reminder of how deeply our emotions are tied to our physical wellbeing.
What does this mean for us, especially as we get older and the loss of loved ones becomes a more frequent part of life?
First, it’s a powerful reminder that grief is not just 'in your head.' It’s a whole-body experience that deserves attention and care.
If you or someone you know is struggling after a loss, it’s important to seek support—whether that’s from friends, family, a GP, or a mental health professional.
The Danish study also suggests that healthcare workers should be on the lookout for signs of overwhelming grief, so they can offer help early on.
But we can all play a part by checking in on friends and family who are grieving, and by being gentle with ourselves if we’re the ones going through it.
Here are a few practical tips for coping with grief and protecting your health:
Have you or someone you know experienced the physical effects of grief? How did you cope, and what advice would you give to others going through a similar loss? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!
But as it turns out, this isn’t just a romantic notion or a figure of speech.
Science is now confirming what many of us have long suspected: the pain of losing a loved one can have very real, and sometimes fatal, consequences for our health.
A recent study out of Denmark, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, has shed new light on just how powerful grief can be.
Researchers followed 1,735 bereaved relatives over a decade, tracking their emotional wellbeing and physical health.
The results were sobering: those who experienced 'high levels' of grief were more than three times as likely to die within ten years of their loss compared to those who coped with 'low levels' of grief.
But what exactly does 'high levels' of grief mean?
New research from Denmark has shown that bereaved relatives experiencing high levels of grief are significantly more likely to die within 10 years of losing a loved one, compared to those coping better. Image source: Eli Pluma / Unsplash. Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
In this study, it referred to people experiencing more than half of nine key symptoms, including feeling emotionally numb, struggling to accept the loss, feeling that life is meaningless, and even confusion about their own identity.
These aren’t just passing feelings—they’re deep, persistent, and can be overwhelming.
The researchers didn’t just stop at emotional symptoms. They also looked at how often participants used healthcare services.
Unsurprisingly, those with intense grief were more likely to need antidepressants, mental health support, and frequent visits to their GP.
According to study coauthor Mette Kjærgaard Nielsen, these individuals often needed extra support even before their loved one passed away, highlighting just how vulnerable some people are in the face of loss.
So, what’s actually happening in the body when we grieve? The answer is both fascinating and a little frightening.
Prolonged grief and stress can wreak havoc on our physical health. Cardiologists have long known about 'broken heart syndrome' (also called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy), a condition where extreme emotional stress causes the heart muscle to weaken, mimicking the symptoms of a heart attack. While most people recover, it can be fatal in some cases.
But the risks don’t stop there. Chronic stress from bereavement can raise blood pressure, spike cortisol (the stress hormone), increase the risk of diabetes, and worsen mental health.
Source: Institute of Human Anatomy / Youtube.
There’s even evidence that some people are more likely to die on the anniversary of their loved one’s passing—a haunting reminder of how deeply our emotions are tied to our physical wellbeing.
What does this mean for us, especially as we get older and the loss of loved ones becomes a more frequent part of life?
First, it’s a powerful reminder that grief is not just 'in your head.' It’s a whole-body experience that deserves attention and care.
If you or someone you know is struggling after a loss, it’s important to seek support—whether that’s from friends, family, a GP, or a mental health professional.
The Danish study also suggests that healthcare workers should be on the lookout for signs of overwhelming grief, so they can offer help early on.
But we can all play a part by checking in on friends and family who are grieving, and by being gentle with ourselves if we’re the ones going through it.
Here are a few practical tips for coping with grief and protecting your health:
- Don’t go it alone: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Sometimes just talking can make a world of difference.
- Look after your body: Try to eat well, get some gentle exercise, and rest when you can. Your body needs extra care during stressful times.
- Watch for warning signs: If you’re feeling persistently numb, hopeless, or unable to function, it’s time to seek professional help.
- Mark anniversaries with care: Special dates can be especially tough. Plan ahead and consider spending them with supportive people.
Have you or someone you know experienced the physical effects of grief? How did you cope, and what advice would you give to others going through a similar loss? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below!
