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People do die of a "broken" heart. It is called stress cardiomyopathy. Stress hormone levels of cortisol, adrenalin, and nor-adrenalin spike after an emotional shock and if you don't have the reserves acute heart failure can follow. If you survive, this is reversible.      

Shocking events can lead to abrupt very high stress hormones levels which can stun the heart and lead to heart failure, angina, and/or rhythm disturbances that act like a heart attack. In this "broken heart syndrome" there is no underlying heart damage. If people survive this their heart returns to normal.        

  The initial diagnosis at age 33 was a shock. Andrea chose a mastectomy and a reconstruction was done at the original surgery. She found it very difficult to tell her family and close friends. A support group was very helpful. A positive attitude helped.        

The journey from shock to managing treatments, dealing with family and finances, and dealing with getting treatment is discussed. Taking time to digest what happened is important.          

Dr. Len is in the hospital broadcasting this show with Francesco. He feels care he is getting has been superb and the doctors, nurses, and staff have gone out of their way to listen and care. To make a long story short, Dr. Len has severe hypertension from an endocrine imbalance that has been very difficult to control. It has ranged from 220/110 to 60/40...