WebMD: Could a Broken Heart Have Killed Husband of Slain Texas Teacher?

In a seemingly endless stream of tragic news out of Uvalde, TX, the husband of a slain teacher died Thursday just after returning home from her memorial.

Irma Garcia was one of two teachers gunned down, along with 19 students, at Robb Elementary School Tuesday. Family members said Thursday that her husband and high school sweetheart, Joe, died of a broken heart.

Though the exact cause of Joe Garcia’s death is unclear, death by broken heart isn’t some hyperbolic myth perpetuated by books and movies. Not only is it real, but doctors say it is on the rise.

Broken heart syndrome, known medically as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, can occur when someone has experienced extreme stress – including, but not limited to, the loss of someone near and dear.

WebMD talked to Dr. Tracy Stevens, cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, about broken heart syndrome and why doctors are seeing more cases. 

Read the full WebMD article: Could a Broken Heart Have Killed Husband of Slain Texas Teacher?

Related Content

Feb. 10, 2022

FOX4: Doctors seeing rise in cases of ‘Broken Heart Syndrome’ caused by pandemic
During the pandemic, doctors are seeing a rise in “Broken Heart Syndrome.” Health experts say it can be triggered by sudden stressful or emotional situations.
Mar. 9, 2021

KMBC: Spike in cases of broken heart syndrome linked to COVID-19 pandemic
KMBC talked to Dr. James O'Keefe about why the life-threatening condition has spiked over the past year and one woman who experienced it herself.
Oct. 21, 2021

WebMD: Broken Heart Syndrome: On the Rise, Especially in Women 50-74
WebMD talked to Dr. Tracy Stevens and Dr. Kevin Bybee about the increasingly common heart condition and what can trigger it.