Is it possible to die from fear?

How many times have we heard the phrase: did you scare me to death or did I walk down a dark street and almost die of fear? Although these proposals They may seem extremely victimistic, The truth is that they may be more literal than they seem at first glance.

In those days when the streets are full of ghosts, zombies, mummies, vampires and the living dead, you need to be careful if you are very afraid, because although it is rare, the Spanish Heart Foundation confirms that Yes, you can lose your life due to severe fright.. Or, what is the same thing, die from fear, also known asBroken heart syndrome or Takotsubo.

“Acute and severe emotional stress, such as a painful fright, receiving bad or very good news, severe upset, or a strong argument with a neighbor, can sharply and severely weaken the heart muscle, causing this syndrome,” says Rosario Ortas, head of the cardiology department of the Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza and president of the Aragonese Society of Cardiology.

Ortas notes that “it is a stress cardiomyopathy that mimics an acute myocardial infarction without blocking the heart arteries (coronary arteries) but putting the person’s life at risk. Although the clinical picture often tends to be limited in time and resolved quickly and completely, without cardiac consequences, it may initially cause heart failure, serious arrhythmias, or even death.”

Acute and severe emotional stress can also trigger acute myocardial infarction or serious arrhythmia in people with underlying heart disease.which may be chronic and known or detected in a latent situation. “Fear or very strong emotions can cause so-called stress cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by a massive release of stress substances into the bloodstream, as well as symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, such as chest pain or a temporary decrease in heart strength.“explains Pedro J. Serrano Aisa, head of the cardiology department of the Viamed Montecanal hospital in Zaragoza, who notes that people with previous cardiovascular risk factors or heart disease They are especially vulnerable in such extreme stressful situations. The groups most affected tend to be older people, people belonging to minorities, and people with low economic resources.

People with pre-existing risk factors for cardiovascular disease or heart disease are especially vulnerable in these extreme stressful situations.

But other circumstances may arise. This is explained by Beatriz Ordóñez, a cardiologist at HC Miraflores, who points out that “fear can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is independent of the patient’s will and contributes to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, among other symptoms. . This is social. releases large amounts of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can have a direct effect on the heart.” clarifies.

Dr. Ordoñez also mentions long QT syndrome (LQTS), which is a rare electrical heart disease. “Some of these LQTS patients, when faced with very severe emotional or physical stress, such as sudden fear, “May suffer sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmias” explains Dr. Ordonez, who points out that “Although death of cardiac origin due to serious fright is very rare, it is not impossible.”

Situation triggers

But when might such a situation arise? What factors may be more determining? Dr. Pedro J. Serrano points out that “stress cardiomyopathy is more common in situations such as natural disasters, wars or sporting events of great emotional intensity, such as the World Cup final,” explains. In addition, climate change and extreme environmental conditions may play a role. “Exposure to extreme heat is associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. For example, in a US study, each additional day of exposure to temperatures above 32.2°C monthly cardiovascular mortality among young people increased by 0.12%,” remember.

This increase in cases in situations of high stress is explained, according to this expert, by a massive release of stress hormones; increased blood pressure and heart rate; or increased risk of arrhythmias and coronary thrombosis.

How can we take care of our hearts?

“There is growing evidence that emotional stress should be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, both acute and chronic. People are advised to try to avoid situations of sudden, severe stress as much as possible.. Unfortunately, this is easy to say, but usually impossible to predict, at least in the acute form,” says Rosario Ortas, head of the cardiology service at the Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza and president of the Aragonese Society of Cardiology. .

“There is growing evidence that emotional stress should be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, both in its acute and chronic forms.”

Chronic stress can also increase the risk of stress cardiomyopathy. Therefore, to improve heart health and reduce or control this type of stress, experts recommend Get regular moderate exercise and practice disciplines such as mindfulness or yoga. “We also need to keep other cardiovascular risk factors under control through good control of blood pressure, blood cholesterol and diabetes. avoid smoking and even long-term exposure to high doses of environmental pollutionsedentary lifestyle and following a basic Mediterranean diet, maintaining an adequate weight and finally getting enough rest at night,” he explains.

As for nutrition, there are two diets. balanced nutrition, which is characterized by the presence of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and fish. “It is important to reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, as well as moderate your salt and alcohol intake.

And the Mediterranean diet“This diet is especially heart-healthy because it emphasizes the consumption of olive oil, nuts and fatty fish,” says Dr. Pedro J. Serrano, who also advises regular heart checks to monitor cholesterol and blood glucose levels. and detect any heart problems in time.

Adopting these habits not only promotes a healthier heart, but also which also improves overall quality of life.