31 Broken Heart
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Dynamic Chiropractic – February 14, 1990, Vol. 08, Issue 04

Broken Heart

By Lendon H. Smith, MD

It is not unusual to read of the death of a man (usually) within the few weeks following the death of his wife (could be husband). This would be especially true if they had been married and dependent upon each other for many years. His death certificate states, "Heart Failure"; the lungs would show congestion and the heart would have stopped in systole -- the maximum contraction of the cardiac muscles.

There is a pattern here. My chemical consultant says that the chief factor is low potassium. The potassium level in the blood falls after emotional stress (physical stress diminishes the sodium). It is also quite possible to assume that the widower would not eat as well as when his wife was alive, especially fruits and vegetables, the chief sources of potassium. He would become depleted, then, through these two mechanisms.

Decades ago Dr. Ringer experimented with frogs. When he dropped a solution of table salt (sodium chloride) on the exposed heart, the heart contracted and stayed in that tetanic contraction (systole). But a potassium salt solution dropped onto the heart made it stop in the relaxed position of diastole. Hence, the present day treatment of hypertension: limit salt intake, but eat freely of the sources of potassium and fruit.

This all came to my mind when I heard a recent radio news report of a condition called S.U.D.S., Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome. It has been striking down many young Southeast Asian men. Their deaths have been a mystery although families and friends know it is due to fright. Victims will awaken in the middle of the night from a sound sleep, sit up, cry out as if terrified, and fall back dead. Visitation from dead relatives, guilt about past crimes, and sadness from leaving their native land all have their adherents. The basic factor appears to be stress, but our "wonderful American" low-potassium, high-sodium diet must be playing a significant role. I wonder if magnesium -- necessary for the maintenance of a regular heart beat, and selenium -- known to have an effect on heart muscle function could be part of this. How about carnitine? Nothing is so simple that it can be understood by us mortals.

Like your mother said, "Eat your vegetables!" Let that be the diet slogan for the wake.

Editor's Note: Dr. Smith offers a fascinating and often hilarious, information-packed monthly newsletter available via subscription for $8 US, $10 US (Can), $14 foreign (other). Just send your check payable to:

THE FACTS
Lendon H. Smith, M.D.
Portland, Oregon
P.O. BOX 427
PORTLAND, OREGON 97207
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