If you have ever gone through a rough breakup, you may have thought that you were going to die of a broken heart. Chances are, you’re reading this, so you didn’t. But it is possible to actually die of a broken heart. Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, can be fatal. Broken heart syndrome usually occurs in response to the stress hormones produced by one’s body after an incredibly stressful event. This is why this condition can happen to anyone, including those who are in perfect health. A divorce, a death, or even the shock from winning the lottery can onset stress hormones, which could potentially end in broken heart syndrome.
The symptoms of this condition are very similar to those of a heart attack. Sudden and intense chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as tests reporting drastic changes in the rhythm and blood substances are common in heart attacks as well. This is why oftentimes, this stress-induced cardiomyopathy is misdiagnosed as a heart attack. The main difference between the two, however, is that arteries are blocked during a heart attack. In broken heart syndrome, a part of the heart becomes enlarged and doesn’t pump as normal, while the rest of the heart functions normally or with more forceful contractions. Those who experience this can luckily make a full recovery and be treated with little risk of experiencing it again. However, in more severe cases, the broken heart syndrome can lead to muscle weakness and even failure.
This syndrome is fairly rare overall. It occurs in about 2% of those who visit the emergency room for what they initially believe is a heart attack. In terms of which groups takotsubo cardiomyopathy impacts the most, women make up about 89% of the cases. One explanation for this is menopause. Women between the ages of 58 and 77 who experience menopause are susceptible to this condition because, with age and especially past menopause, estrogen levels drop. Estrogen protects your heart from the harmful effects of stress-induced hormones. This is why older women are more likely to feel the effects of sudden stress, which could very well be takotsubo.
Treatment for the broken heart syndrome is very important. It usually consists of taking medication to regulate the heart. Aspirin is used to improve blood flow and prevent clots. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are given to fight inflammation and lower blood pressure. In more extreme cases, pumps may be used if your heart needs a little support pumping.
Broken heart syndrome can occur in response to very stressful situations. While there is very little you can do to prevent this syndrome especially, practicing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to manage stress can help. Exercising regularly, meditating, and learning to manage stressors in your life can be beneficial to your overall health.
