Can You Die of a Broken Heart?

There’s nothing quite like heartbreak. But just how dangerous can a broken heart be?

- Tegan Mouton

The death of journalist Suna Venter, 32, from ‘broken heart syndrome’ in June 2017 sent shock waves through the country. Facing severe trauma and stress as a result of her involvement in the ‘SABC 8’, Venter was diagnosed with stress cardiomyopathy or ‘broken heart syndrome’ just before her death. ‘Stress cardiomyopathy is a condition where intense emotional or physical stress cause acute heart muscle dysfunction,’ says Dr Viwe Mtwesi, South Africa’s youngest black female cardiologist. This can lead to the insufficient pumping of blood in the body and, in extreme cases, death. It can be caused by prolonged stress and extreme fear, and physical trauma such as strokes or seizures. While it differs from a heart attack, the symptoms are similar. Warning signs include shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain.