The loss of a loved one can cause such significant grief that it manifests as physical breakdown of the survivor’s body as a result. The stress of grief can manifest in several ways in the body, all in response to the higher levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, which increases as a direct response to the trauma inflicted on the nervous system, in a response to the stress from the loss of a loved one.
Broken Heart Syndrome is a phenomenom that was first observed in Japan and given the name Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, which means “octopus pot” (vessel or pot used to catch octopuses) in Japanese. This was due to the shape observed by cardiologist of a patient’s heart after suffering an extremely stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one or any other extreme physical or emotional stress. This was more prominently seen in post menopausal women (90% are women between the ages of 58-75) more often than other demographics.
What causes broken heart syndrome?
“The precise cause of broken heart syndrome isn't known, but experts think that surging stress hormones (for example, adrenaline) essentially "stun" the heart, triggering changes in heart muscle cells or coronary blood vessels (or both) that prevent the left ventricle from contracting effectively.
Some causes of broken heart syndrome include:
sudden drop in blood pressure
serious illness, surgery, or medical procedure (e.g., cardiac stress test)
severe pain
domestic violence
asthma attack
receiving bad news (such as a diagnosis of cancer)
car or other accident
unexpected loss, illness, or injury of a close relative, friend, or pet
fierce argument
financial loss
intense fear
public speaking
a surprise party or other sudden surprise.”
Sources: Prasad A, et al., American Heart Journal (2008), Vol. 155, No. 3, pp. 408–17; others.
Most of the abnormalities in systolic function and ventricle wall movement seen in broken-heart syndrome clear up in one to four weeks. Most individuals who experience it recover fully within two months and are at low risk for it happening again.
However, some people continue to have persistent signs consistent with heart failure. In rare cases, broken heart syndrome can be fatal.
Breast Cancer
The higher levels of cortisol and the incidence of breast cancer is interesting information. The cortisol raises the glucose levels and creates an acidic environment, two things that make cancer cells tend to increase, feeding off their favorite food, sugar and living in an acidic body. About six months after the loss of our son I developed a lump in my breast. My lump was diagnosed as 100% mucinous carcinoma, which is considered rare. Most mucinous breast cancers are only a portion of the tumor and not 100%. I remember the radiologist telling me it was the “best” version of breast cancer to get and if his wife got breast cancer this was the one to have…excuse me?
My treatment consisted of a lumpectomy which left me misshapened and radiation treatments, which I wish I’d never done. Now I wonder if I even had cancer or was it just a mast cell reaction that would have resolved on its own? Did the radiation treatments damage my heart or other organs? So many questions, so few answers, at least from the medical establishment. Another hormonal treatment was recommended to me by the oncologist. When I asked her to put it in mathematical terms for my particular case what kind of odds would it gain me to take it? The answer of 1-2% was enough for me to say “no” and mean it…an better yet, they wouldn’t argue with me.
Mast Cells
Cortisol also ramps up the immune system which brings on the troops. Enter Mast Cells which are called into action when under stress. The coritsol brings out the mast cells to rally against the “invader” that is wrecking havoc on the body. Do mast cells produce more mucus in an effort to reduce inflammation and damage being done to the body? This tends to be the case, excess mucus production, for my IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) when flares occur, usually due to stress or a triggering food is eaten. I also get increased mucus production in the form of a stuffy nose when environmental triggers kick off mast cell reactions (mold is a big one). For resources and more information about Mast Cells, see my Mast Cell/Histamine Resource page and my post on Histamine.
The Physical Symptoms of Grief (Pay attention — this applies to stressful lifestyles too) since both raise the level of cortisol in the body and the end result is caused by the higher corisol levels in the bloodstream. I share some ways to recognize high cortisol and what you can do about it….keep reading.
Signs that you may be suffering from high cortisol levels include:
Weight gain (especially around the midsection)
Mood swings and anxiety
Fatigue and muscle pain
Trouble falling and staying asleep
Irregular menstrual cycles
High blood pressure
A decrease in libido
Increased urination
Brittle bones
Excessive thirst
Caution: People with irregular heart rhythms and/or high blood pressure should take caution with consuming licorice, especially if taking medications for these conditions.
Grounding is another great way to balance your body’s electrical system and calm the stress in your body. Check out my post Grounded for more information.
Tomorrow I’ll share another tip for easing stress, stay tuned.
Today’s featured photo by Marah Bashir on Unsplash