Death Of A Beloved Pet Can Cause A Broken Heart

Those of us who have lost a pet will tell you the pain you feel is just as devastating as losing a human family member. Sometimes the pain can even present with physical symptoms that can be similar to a heart attack.

A woman in Texas reported symptoms of a heart attack when she arrived at the hospital. The doctors ran tests and found no blockages at all. Her story has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Doctors concluded that Joanie Simpson had ‘broken heart syndrome.’ Joanie was suffering from heart failure and the loss of, Maya, her 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier added to her illness.

Broken heart syndrome used to be called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and is when the left ventricle of the heart gets slightly larger for a short time. Symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. The American Heart Association says that this condition is brought on by extreme stress and is commonly seen in postmenopausal women. It has been a year since Joanie suffered from broken heart syndrome and her doctor, Abhishek Maiti, says Joanie is doing well.

Joanie does plan to get another dog even if she suffers another broken heart. Many of us would agree with Joanie, the love your dog has for you is unlike any other. They are with us through all the ups and downs of life, unlike some human friends that come and go. Having their companionship and love is far more important than worrying about their death.

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