A new batch of research suggests that many men cannot survive heartbreak.
The recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals men are more than twice as likely to die from “broken heart syndrome” than women. Officially called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the condition mimics a heart attack and is triggered by severe emotional or physical stress.
The research analyzed hospital data from 200,000 U.S. adults between 2016 and 2020. Among them, 11% of men died compared to just 5% of women.
“Broken heart syndrome is more common in women,” according to the Mayo Clinic. But when men do experience it, their chances of survival drop significantly.
As for the gap, researchers point to the different ways men and women encounter stress. Men often face physical triggers such as strokes or surgeries. In contrast, women are more likely to experience the syndrome after emotional events, like the death of a loved one.
Experts also say men may lack the support systems necessary for recovery. “Social support plays a huge role in managing stress,” says a Pew Research Center report cited in the study.
Cardiologists stress the importance of not brushing off symptoms. Chest pain, shortness of breath, or pressure in the chest shouldn’t be ignored. “Don’t assume it’s just stress. See a doctor immediately,” they advise.
As research continues, one thing is clear: heartbreak is serious, and for many men, it can be deadly.
