Can you die from a broken heart? Louisville doctor explains the warning signs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For those experiencing heartbreak, Valentine's Day can be emotional.

Doctors say you can actually die from a broken heart.

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as "broken heart syndrome," is a condition brought on by extreme stress hormones or emotions. Those diagnosed with the condition have a part of their heart that isn't pumping well while the rest of the heart functions normally or with more forceful contractions.

Symptoms are typically treatable, and the condition can reverse itself in just weeks. But in rare cases, it can be deadly.

"(It) presents just like a heart attack," said Dr. Mrin Shetty, cardiologist and director of the Women's Heart Program at UofL Health. "So sudden, onset chest discomfort, feeling short of breath, feeling like your heart is racing, feeling faint because your blood pressure drops. All of these things are your heart telling you that something is going on. We don't want you to ignore it. Call 911."

The condition can also occur after a serious injury or surgery.

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