can a broken heart affect your physical health?

Question

my mom passed away in 2001 then my son in 2002, i had not missed one day of work in seven years prior to these events. now i am on high blood pressure medication and anxiety medication and a sleep aid for chronic insomnia i also take medication to slow my heart rate and have gained a lot of weight.

also, i have copd which limits my ability to exerxise.

there is also a family history of heart disease, my mom, dad, all 4 of my siblings have had heart attacks.

Answer 1

Gee, I'm saddened by your situation. It's not easy at all... losing two loved ones in a row....
A broken heart, whether due to grief, separation or any kind of failure in life, definitely affects physical health because what is in your mind and in your heart to a large extent , determines the overall state of your body.
I know this from experience and so do a many people.. Depression can slowly damage you inside and out.

You ought to know that many others are in the same boat. You're not alone, and you are psychologically & emotionally stronger than you think.....most of us are.

You need to try to find something fun or enjoyable to do.....maybe see a good movie, take a nice long walk , cuddle a puppy.Do something to delight the child in you....for this will bring you some calm and relaxation.
Find a friend or a therapist whom you can fully express feelings to.
Express what you miss most about your mom and your son.
.....venting out every detail.
It's important to find someone to talk to, but it's also vital that you help yourself get some good R & R......why? this will help you ease your high blood pressure.

You mentioned you gained a lot of weight. Now being heavy is also related to having high blood pressure for as we gain weight, our blood volume increases, causing increased pressure within our blood vessels, so this concerns me.
....bronteheights mentioned exercise, and I think that's solid advice, for exercise doesn't only help one lose weight, it actually elevates one's mood.

If you have gained weight then that also means your blood sugar levels are up....continuously having elevated blood sugar levels makes you a candidate for diabetes. I strongly suggest that after each meal, you go for a walk. Remain standing and moving for an hour after each meal. Why? That's because blood glucose is highest 1 to 2 hours after each meal.. if walking for an hour is difficult for you, start with 30minutes....whatever you do, do not sit and be immobile after eating a meal. That's actually very unhealthy.
Walking has been proven to get one out of depression, especially if its brisk walking. It kinda stimulates your mind and body into action .
In order to lose weight, avoid eating anything made of white flour....especially doughnuts. Avoid french fries, hotdogs & other cured meats, for these are unhealthy and are even cancer-causing. Instead , eat whole wheat stuff, fruits that arent so sweet and a lot of veggies and some soy. Also avoid anything with hydrogenated vegetable oil and trans fats.
Try not to have any sweet drink as well. Sodas have high fructose corn syrup -- a no no. Drink unsweetend fruit juices instead.
These things sharply increase your blood sugar level and unused sugars get stored as fat in the form of triglycerides (that's body fat).Hence, we have these fat deposits in the abdomen, thighs,etc. Have you heard of Omega3 fatty acids? It's actually fish oil. ....very good for health, in that it thins the blood, promoting effective circulation and is therefore good for the heart.....it prevents blood clots and has natural anti-depressant properties.
I'm sorry if I am boring you. It's just that I believe we need to address your problem of a broken heart and that of health....hence my suggestions.

Keep a journal and write down your thoughts . This just might help..... Your sorrows, your questions - your whys, anger, doubts, broken dreams -if any......then after a couple of days, go and read what you have written down.
It will somehow give more clarity to your thoughts and feelings. It may even lead to a deeper self-discovery....as you reflect on what you've written.

If you have progressive tachycardia (fast heart rate even at rest),then just walk slowly after meals. ...but keep moving.

Remember that only you can truly help yourself in a significant way... I totally understand how you feel and I know how it hurts...but.know too, that if your mom and your child could see you depressed and broken hearted for a long, time, then they would feel sad, for I'm sure they'd want the best for you, that you'd be happy.

To aid in relaxation, listen to soothing music of your choice...when you feel relaxed, you heart rate will slow down. Make an effort to start the day with positive affirmations, such as...."this will be a good day, and I feel better today"
"my health is improving more & more and God will help me through each day"

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yes, a broken heart does affect health quite a bit. The old saw about someone dying of a broken heart has a lot of truth to it. It even comes up in medical courses.

Your emotional health is very important to your physical health. If you are having problems dealing with the deaths, then counseling is definitely in order.

Your other problems may also have a different, organic cause. There is nothing stopping your broken heart from making what should have been a minor case of hypertension into a larger medical threat.

Answer 4

Absolutely! When the body is going through a period of grief, it manifests itself as stress. Stress has the ability to greatly reduce your immune system response. Stress makes the body produce a chemical called Cortisol. Cortisol can increase the fat in the area of the lower abdomen, which is the most dangerous area - this may be what is causing your high blood pressure.

My unprofessional advice, go to a grief support group, if not that, try talking to a therapist. Last but not least, start to do some cardiovascular exercise. I know how hard it is to make yourself do this in the midst of all of this turmoil, but it will help clear your head. It is REALLY hard to get started, but it will help with both your physical and MENTAL health.

Answer 5

I am very sorry to hear of your loss.

Yes, emotional distress plays a huge part in how well our bodies function. Depression can often lead to many chronic illnesses such as , high blood pressure, liver and kidney disease, heart disease just to name a few. Any emotional distress has the potential to cause chemical imbalances in our brain, which then affect our entire bodies chemical structure.

There is help though. As someone pointed out grief counseling can make a big difference. Antidepressants may be helpful on a short or long term basis. Even just a mood stabilizer may prove helpful.

I know that asking for this type of help is difficult. I'm bipolar and it took years for me to seek help. Please believe me when I tell you it is worth it.

I encourage you to talk with your GP about this. Be honest in describing your feelings, thoughts and moods. Write down some of them so you don't forget. Your GP will treat you or put you in contact with someone who can.

I wish you the very best.

Terry
My website with all my conditions:
http://medilink-healthlink.tripod.com/

Answer 6

Please accept my heart felt condolences, on the sad demise of your mother's & son's death, may their soul rest in eternal peace, Ameen.
You are undergoing Chronic Anxiety including hypertension and the medications for Anxiety and Insomnia put on a lot of weight. You will have to fight against it, as the outcome is bad.
Why don't you go for a counseling, and have your thought distributed, do some physical and aerobics.
Wish you a healthy and safe recovery.

Answer 7

Your doctors should of taken a more holistic approach to treating you and asked you if any major stresses were in your life. It's true your depression is all in your head, but your head is the command center for all body functions. Psychological stress causes your body to release epinephrine and cortisol, both which increase heart rate and effect glucose metabolism.

My suggestion, is go back to your doctor and ensure he is aware of these major changes in your life and how your health problems began after these major stressors. If he/she does not care, find another doctor. A good doctor will work with a psychologist to ensure that both your mind along with your body are receiving the treatments they need to get better.

Answer 8

Yes. There's even a condition called 'Broken Heart Syndrome'. Google it and check it out.

Answer 9

Definitely...along with every other aspect of your life. You have gone thru so much you can't possibly expect your body/work/life/relationships/attitude not to change; if you've not already sought help from a professional I highly recommend that you do, if you've not already been prescribed anti-depressant meds you may want to consider them too. I've not gone thru what you have and wouldn't begin to compare my bad experiences to yours, but I've found that I need the clarity and balance that my meds have provided, without them life just seems like too much. I'm truly sorry for your loss, if you don't have a relationship with the Lord please seek his guidance; He can heal like nothing and nobody else can and will give you hope once again.

Answer 10

ABSOLUTLY! Our mind controls our body. My Dad just passed last month I understand that pain!! I was very depressed, and I watched the dvd 'the secret' and it helped me understand to change the way I think. I can say it's given me hope. You aren't alone in this, and I honestly wish you the best. Don't give up on yourself, if this all gets worse see a doctor (if you haven't already) and rent that dvd, it may help you as well. Take care of YOU. ((HUGS))