Can Someone Die of a Broken Heart?

United States
December 20, 2015 12:45pm CST
I, for one, believe this is possible. One of my aunts on my father's side, died. She and my uncle had been married for over 40 years. He was healthy, but in spite of that fact, he died within six months of her death. The doctor said that he died of a broken heart. And, I believe it, because he was very devoted to her. Everyone in the family agreed. There was another person that I know of who was said to have died of a broken heart. I learned about him while reading up on some well known American Indians recently. He was known as Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe. This tribe lived near the Washington/Oregon border and they were a peaceful people. They were friendly to trappers and traders, since the days of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Chief Joseph refused to sign treaties giving up his land but he did not want to go to war with the white man. But, war did come when one of the young Nez Perce warriors became angry and killed some white men. Chief Joseph then, led his people along a thousand mile journey to Canada, rather than surrendering to life on a reservation. But they were captured about forty miles from the Canadian border and forced to live on a reservation in Washington state, where Chief Joseph died in 1904. The doctor said this famous chief died of a broken heart. What do you think?
7 people like this
3 responses
• United States
20 Dec 15
I have no doubt that this is possible. There are immense sufferings when one is so very sad. And it can affect the body in more ways than one. Have you ever seen the film Somewhere in Time? It is the very definition of passing away due to a broken heart.
3 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
20 Dec 15
Somewhere in Time what a great movie and didn't Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour play in it? @TiarasOceanView
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Dec 15
@Marcyaz Yes poor Christopher Reeve. He was so very sad in that film. And what happen to him in real life. So sad RIP. Jane is as lovely as ever today.
2 people like this
• United States
21 Dec 15
I'll have to check out that movie, "Somewhere inTime" It seems like I have but I'm not calling up any of it in my memory right now. I can't remember the plot.
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@Freelanzer (10782)
• Canada
20 Dec 15
I have heard that you can and have seen examples where it appears as if that is what happened. However, I still think if we look deep we will find that the person had a physical problem made worse by grief. The stress of caring for a sick spouse can compromise one's health to the extent tat as soon as he passed, the other one has nothing left and succumbs to a weakened body
2 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
20 Dec 15
That could be also with I still think a person can die of a broken heart.@Freelanzer
• United States
21 Dec 15
Yes, that makes sense too. You could be right about that.
1 person likes this
@amadeo (111937)
• United States
20 Dec 15
yes,a case here.Her husband die and a few hour she did.This is from a broken heart They been married for over sixty years.Broken heart has been proven
2 people like this