12-02-2025
What is "broken heart syndrome"? How heartbreak can change the structure of your heart
NEWTON - While couples get ready to celebrate Valentine's Day, others are reminded love isn't always chocolate and roses, as medical research shows that heartbreak can actually change the structure of your heart.
"I think everyone goes through it at some point in life," said Cullen McEachern, who recently moved to Boston with a broken heart after grad school in Washington state. "It's a lot of second guessing yourself."
McEachern now works, appropriately, at Heartbreak Hill Running Company in Newton.
"It's nice after a breakup to get back into doing what you love to do," said McEachern. "So I run a lot."
Broken heart syndrome
It's exactly the antidote for takatsubo cardio myopathy, or broken heart syndrome.
"It's a syndrome that occurs classically when a person has a heartache. As a result, the heart changes shapes and stops functioning," said Mass General cardiologist Dr. Ahmed Tawakol.
Symptoms include chest discomfort, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.
"It can cause arrythmias and sudden death as well," said Tawakol.
With Valentine's Day just days away, heartbreak is top of mind. Studies show people in weakened relationships are more likely to break up in the two weeks surrounding Valentine's Day.
Ways to handle stress and heartbreak
Tawakol said how well your brain can handle stress determines how susceptible you are to a broken heart.
"I find it hard to avoid heartbreak throughout life but one could put themselves in a position to tolerate it well," said Tawakol. He recommends physical activity, a healthy diet, sleep and friendship to both reduce stress and help heal a broken heart.
For McEachern, running provides both a distraction and a path forward.
"There's a lot of similarities between real heartbreak and the hill," said McEachern. "There's a lot of history before you get to it as in relationships before a heartbreak, you'll eventually finish and feel amazing and accomplished but in the moment, it'll hurt a lot."
