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?

Read more

Related Content

Apparel, Clothing, Coat, Lab Coat, Person, Doctor
Danielle's story

"You get those rare moments that you're reminded why you went into this field, and it makes everything so much better." Danielle Hammontree, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Saint Luke’s East Hospital

Read more
Person, Doctor, Clothing, Apparel, Lab Coat, Coat, Face, Nurse
Deb's story

Deb Day, Registered Nurse · Anderson County Hospital "I am a Saint Luke's Nurse.  Nurses are the lifeblood of Saint Luke’s compassionate care, and the life-changing work they do is...

Read more
Person, Hair, Nurse, Face, Female, Word
Nicole's story

"What we do is so vital. We have so much power as nurses." Nicole Roberson, Registered Nurse, Neuroscience ICU, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City

Read more