Mother's Heart Attack Symptoms Were Actually Broken Heart Syndrome After Son's Suicide
A mother who believed she was suffering a heart attack was actually diagnosed with broken heart syndrome, a temporary cardiac condition triggered by extreme emotional stress, months after her soldier son took his own life.
Unbearable Chest Pain Leads to Hospital Emergency
Dawn Turner, 57, from Eckington in Worcestershire, awoke on March 27 experiencing what she described as unbearable chest pains. Fearing she was having a cardiac arrest, she immediately called for an ambulance. The mother-of-three initially attributed her discomfort to indigestion, but as symptoms intensified—including heart palpitations, sweating, and pain radiating down her arm and jaw—she became convinced it was a heart attack.
Her partner, Paul, called 999, and paramedics arrived within five minutes. They connected her to an ECG monitor in the ambulance, noting her heart rhythm was all over the place, before blue-lighting her to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for emergency care.
Diagnosis Reveals Physical Effects of Grief
At the hospital, blood tests showed no enzymes typically produced during a heart attack, ruling out that condition. However, further examination led cardiologists to diagnose Dawn with takotsubo syndrome, commonly known as broken heart syndrome. This reversible cardiac condition is often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, such as grief, and predominantly affects women over 50.
Dawn explained to doctors about the loss of her son, Rob Homans, a bombardier with the Royal Horse Artillery, who died by suicide in August 2025. The cardiologist confirmed that her symptoms were directly linked to the overwhelming stress and grief she had been experiencing.
The body can only take so much, and the grief and stress can be quite physical, Dawn recounted being told. I told her my heart feels broken, and she said it's exactly that—it's a real thing.
Son's Struggle with Mental Health and Housing Issues
Rob Homans served for 10 years in the Royal Horse Artillery, completing two tours of Afghanistan before returning to civilian life in 2016. His health deteriorated significantly after leaving the army, with symptoms including digestive troubles, balance issues, and hearing loss from gun use. He was initially diagnosed with PTSD, which shares similarities with mild traumatic brain injury.
Dawn, who is CEO of veterans charity Stepway, detailed the challenges Rob faced in accessing support. After moving back in with her, he sought help from combat stress services but faced a six-month waiting list. When attempting to secure housing through the council, he was offered only a room in a house of multiple occupancy in Erdington, Birmingham—40 miles away—with officials stating he was not a priority despite being a veteran.
When people lose loved ones, you're obviously distraught, but you eventually find closure, Dawn said. With Rob, I can't find closure because there's no justice there.
Recovery and Awareness of Broken Heart Syndrome
Fortunately, Dawn is now recovering and expects to be fully healed within two to four weeks. Her cardiologist confirmed that her heart is healthy with no permanent damage, but she must rest, seek counselling, and reduce stress to allow her heart to reboot itself.
Until that moment, I had never really understood that a person could become so overwhelmed by stress and grief that it physically affects the heart, Dawn reflected. Broken heart syndrome can look and feel like a heart attack. It's a warning sign for me, and for anyone.
Her partner, Paul, offered a poignant perspective: Maybe the extra beat is for Rob. You are carrying on living for him. Dawn described this as both heartbreaking and healing.
Understanding Takotsubo Syndrome
According to the British Heart Foundation, takotsubo syndrome causes the heart's main pumping chamber to change shape and expand, weakening the heart muscle and reducing its pumping strength. It is typically temporary and arises during periods of severe emotional or physical strain.
Key facts about broken heart syndrome:
- Most common in women over 50 and those with depression.
- Triggers include bereavement, illness, surgery, psychological trauma, or financial pressure.
- Symptoms mimic a heart attack, such as sudden chest pain, pressure, and breathlessness.
- Treatment often involves beta blockers and blood-thinning medication to prevent clots and recurrence.
Dawn's experience highlights the profound physical impact of grief and the importance of recognizing broken heart syndrome as a serious medical condition. Her story serves as a reminder to seek support during times of extreme stress and to be aware of the warning signs that emotional distress can manifest in physical ways.
