Is it possible to experience a heart attack after your heart has been broken?

Yes: Heart attack can be caused by sadness.

Not likely: Unless you have pre- existing coronary disease, an emotional issue will not lead to a heart attack. If it did, there would be teenagers all over the world at risk.

Possible: Emotional stress has been linked to heart disease and heart attacks. The "broken heart syndrome" is a different problem that can occur after intense emotional stress leading to heart muscle dysfunction that is usually reversible. This may present very similar to a typical heart attack with pain, ECG changes and lab findings. Detailed history, exam and work up needed to distinguish the two.

Not exactly. : There actually *is* a phenomenon of a stress induced cardiomyopathy, but it is generally seen in post-menopausal women. Sometimes called "broken heart syndrome" as it can take place in the setting of grieving over a lost spouse. Another name is "takotsubo cardiomyopathy ". Ekg changes of heart attack but clean coronaries. Prognosis usually better with shorter treatment.