Valentine’s Day deadly heartbreak

It’s that time of year again-Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Feb. 14 is one of the most affectionate holidays of the year. We are a nation that loves Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day can bring up deep emotions. It is said that there are deaths caused by heartbreak. Maybe you are a Romeo with no Juliet or a Juliet with no Romeo, with a realization that there are real life stories of love, death and heartbreak.

For some people, Valentine’s Day means sharing and caring, letting someone know they are very special and dear to you. It also means passion and romance, love and companionship. The heart-shaped, vivacious red boxes with the chocolate-covered strawberries, red roses and romantic champagne dinners are nearly as nostalgic to us as the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.

For many others unfortunately, it is a time to recall depressing memories of love lost, and harsh feelings that might cause one to be bitter, jealous or envious of couples showing affection in public. Some construct a shield of protection against all the feelings of hurt that relationships can bring.

Heartbreak is mostly used as metaphor, but there is a life-threatening condition aptly-and-fittingly known as broken heart syndrome, where a traumatizing incident triggers the brain to distribute chemicals that weaken heart tissue. Broken heart syndrome, technically known as stress cardiomyopathy, can be triggered by sudden emotional stress caused by a traumatic breakup, the death of a loved one or even the shock of being surprised. Broken heart syndrome is clinically different from a heart attack because the patients have fewer risk factors for heart disease and are previously healthy prior to the heart muscles weakening.

In a study published in a 2005 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers led by Ilan Wittstein of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore found that broken heart syndrome is definitely not the same as a heart attack. The chemicals released by stress “temporarily can be toxic to the heart, effectively stunning the muscle and producing symptoms very similar to those of a heart attack.”

Further research showed similar symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath and fluid in the lungs. But according to closer investigation and further research, broken heart syndrome failed to show heart attack signs such as irreversible muscles damage and elevated levels of certain enzymes.

Valentines Day can be a painful day for people; you might feel very lonely. Yearning for your loved one may be amplified when you see those stuffed teddy bears, flowers and candy-it’s completely normal. Don’t let that spoil your day.

So, it appears that it is possible to die of a broken heart. Find it in yourself to be motivated and encouraged, keep yourself busy, do things that will make you happy. Starting your own tradition is a wonderful thing that could take away the pain that holidays such as Valentine’s Day might bring. Sing a song, write or read a poem, make your or your loved one favorite dish or do something good for others. Keep yourself busy and surround yourself with people who love you, and indulge in the Valentine’s Day candy that you see everywhere around this time-chocolate always makes you feel better.