I remember paying close attention to the news when Carrie Fisher suffered a medical emergency while on a flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday, December 23. I, like others my age, was alarmed that she died at 60 years old after suffering a heart attack, three days later. The shock continued when Carrie’s mother, actress Debbie Reynolds, life expired too. My question is, did Debbie Reynolds die from broken heart syndrome? It sounds like there is truth to hearts that can break.
Broken heart syndrome mimics a heart attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a real medical condition brought on by tragedy or shock, and it feels like a heart attack. A surge of stress hormones causes a temporary disruption in your heart’s normal pumping function, giving you chest pain and shortness of breath.
In 1990, Japanese physician Hikaru Sato wrote a thought-provoking clinical paper describing an unusual set of sudden, life-threatening symptoms he and his colleagues were seeing in their patients. Please note they found the condition was almost exclusive to women, and the women, as it happened, had recently undergone tremendous stress because of the loss of a loved one or other emotional event.
Dr. Sato and his colleagues theorized that the left ventricle of the heart, which has the primary responsibility for pumping, was weakened and mimicked the symptoms of a heart attack.
(c) Can Stock Photo Inc. / SeDmi
Most patients’ symptoms go away after a few weeks, and they fully recover. Others can face more severe complications, such as heart failure. Death is rare but is possible.
Little information is available regarding Debbie Reynolds’s death. What I do know is that I will forever remember Debbie as an American actress, singer, and dancer …Singin’ in the Rain. Carrie is not just Debbie’s devoted daughter and the actress but also Princess Leia in the Star Wars series.
Ladies, you know the drill. This is a kind reminder to make healthy food choices daily, exercise to protect the heart, and make those all-important appointments with your medical professionals.
Have a fabulous and stylish week,
That is so fascinating. I never about this syndrome. I believe my Dad died of a broken heart, a year after the passing of my Mother.
Love your long, slick, and sophisticated look!
I do remember hearing about this once. The human body is quite amazing, and you’re right—it’s important to try to keep it healthy as possible.
Great outfit!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That coat is such a steal!
Jil
http://www.jildiamante.com/2017/01/retro-love.html
http://goo.gl/LfTL3n
Jill,
Hi! Thanks for stopping by The Age of Grace. OMG! The ASOS faux suede trench coat was a steal at $38.00.
Interesting phenomenon. Love your outfit, too!
Julie,
Hi! Welcome to the Age of Grace, I appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts. I agree about the emotional malady that hearts actually can break, an interesting topic that I explored. Thanks for your kinds words regarding my weekly outfit post.
I have heard this can happen…very serious food for thought! Thank you for sharing ad you are stunning in that coat!
xo
Your fierce50 sister
Valerie,
Thank you for visiting The Age of Grace. I just love my cheap but chic ASOS faux suede Trench coat, thanks again.
Very interesting! I love the outfit – the accessories, coat, boots, dress ~ perfection!
Talia,
Hi! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wonderful compliments, I appreciate it.
Such an interesting article, I did know some of that. We women must take great care! I love your rich and lustrous outfit, the coat is stunning, as is the necklace!
Another outstanding post!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Elle,
Hi! I hope you are well and we can soon schedule a get together in NYC. The fact that hearts can break is an interesting phenomenon especially as it relates to women as we age. I agree we women must be aware and take care.