Woman Suffers Literal Heart Break After Her Dog Dies

A woman suffered heart break after the death of her dog

A woman experienced literal heart break after her beloved dog died. The woman was healthy but, soon after her nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier died, she started experiencing chest pains. When she got to the hospital, the doctors were surprised to find out the woman suffered a heart break syndrome.

The woman was devastated by the death of her dog

In May 2016, Joanie Simpson, 62, was almost killed by grief. She owned an adorable nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier, called Meha, who unfortunately died of congestive heart failure. Simpson felt devastated, but she would have never thought the death of her dog would threaten to bring her own death.

A few days after the tragic event happened, the woman felt some chest pains bothering her. She immediately went to the hospital, and the doctors in the emergency room sent her to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas.

She suffered a heart break syndrome

Doctors expected the woman to have some blocked arteries, but what they saw on the x-rays surprised them. The woman had literally experienced a heart break, diagnosed as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This condition is similar to a heart attack, and usually occurs when too many hormones put a lot of stress on the heart.

This works as some clear evidence of how emotional stress can affect the body as well. The woman received the necessary treatment, and her condition was soon stabilized. After the doctors explained to her what had happened, she said it made perfect sense, and revealed the death of her dog was to blame.

Simpson could go home after two days, but she now has to take heart medication. Otherwise, her condition is stable and has no other health problems. Although she experienced heart break syndrome, the woman is still willing to adopt another dog.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

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About Carol Harper

Carol Harper began her career as a screenwriter before turning to journalism. Before earning her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Creative Writing, Carol travelled across Europe and Asia to find both herself and inspiration. She enjoys covering health & science topics.