Not only does recent research indicate that a broken heart can be fatal, but the findings of one particular study suggest that one particular group of people are twice as susceptible to the grief-filled cause of death.

While a bad breakup can leave some people feeling like their life is ‘over’, as they’re plunged into yet another red wine-induced Taylor Swift marathon, experts warn that the severe emotional and physical stress of heartbreak can quite literally be enough to cut some people’s lives short.

Here’s what the research says about 'broken heart syndrome', and what you can do to avoid it.

What is 'broken heart syndrome'?

We’ve all experienced heartache at some point in our lives, whether from the loss of a loved one or a soul-shattering breakup. But while most cases of a broken heart can be healed with a healthy dose of love, time and plenty of rom-coms, some can cause the heart to undergo so much stress that it actually stops functioning properly. 

Known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the medical field, ‘broken heart syndrome’ occurs when stress hormones such as adrenaline prevent a heart from properly contracting, putting the person in question at serious risk.

And according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, men are twice as likely to die from broken heart syndrome than women.

Evaluating the health trends, mortality, and complications of adult patients admitted to the hospital with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy between 2016 and 2020, researchers uncovered several interesting findings. 

Firstly, of the total 199,890 patients hospitalised with Takotsubo, 83 per cent were female, with the majority being older, of white racial identity and from a higher income bracket.

However, despite female patients dominating the total number of participants, men were found to have an alarmingly higher mortality rate of 11.2 per cent, compared to 5.5 per cent. 

Found to be triggered by different factors in both men and women, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), a reversible left ventricular dysfunction, was most commonly triggered by emotional stress in women and physical stress in men.

What’s behind the mortality disparity?

According to researchers, the heightened mortality risk associated with men diagnosed with broken heart syndrome may have more to do with complications in the hospital, rather than the gender of the patients. 

The most likely complications found to increase mortality rates in patients of the study were irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure and stroke.

“Men may be more at risk for dying and having bad outcomes because they’re less susceptible to begin with,” Dr Ilan Wittstein, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, tells NBC News.

“So it takes a more dangerous trigger to precipitate the syndrome.”

When does a broken heart become life-threatening?

While the statistics are indeed alarming, experts say most people with healthy cardiac function are unlikely to experience symptoms of takotsubo cardiomyopathy – even after getting horrifically dumped by their long-term partner or losing their family dog.

Instead, it's those with underlying health issues and compromised cardio function who may be more susceptible to takotsubo cardiomyopathy. 

The two biggest risk factors are high blood pressure or high cholesterol, according to Wittstein. Lifestyle factors like stress, technology and work may also exacerbate a person’s risk.

“As we advance in age and take on more life and work responsibilities, we experience higher stress levels,” Dr Susan Cheng explains to American Heart Association News. “And with increasing digitisation around every aspect of our lives, environmental stressors have also intensified.”

How to avoid broken heart syndrome

While there is no specific cure or treatment available for broken heart syndrome, doctors may prescribe patients medicine used to treat other heart conditions on a case-by-case basis.

Instead, experts recommend prioritising a healthy lifestyle to maintain optimal cardiac health, focusing on lowering stress levels, regular physical exercise and getting sufficient sleep.

If you experience chest pains or unusual symptoms, seek medical attention.