Takotsubo syndrome

We’ve all heard the “heartbreaking” stories – the passing of a loved one is met with the passing of their spouse soon thereafter.  Are these sudden, paired deaths only coincidences – or is there a medical basis such that one can literally die from a broken heart?
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” has always been associated with a negative emotional trigger, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. But new research reveals for the first time, that positive emotions can also precipitate this condition.