Tako tsubo, by the way, are octopus traps that resemble the pot-like shape of the stricken heart. Women are more likely than men to experience the sudden, intense chest pain — the reaction to a surge of stress hormones — that can be caused by an emotionally stressful event. It could be the death of a loved one or even a divorce, breakup or physical separation, betrayal or romantic rejection.
It could even happen after a good shock like winning the lottery. Broken heart syndrome may be misdiagnosed as a heart attack because the symptoms and test results are similar. In fact, tests show dramatic changes in rhythm and blood substances that are typical of a heart attack. Researchers are just starting to learn the causes, and how to diagnose and treat it. The bad news: Broken heart syndrome can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure.
The good news: Broken heart syndrome is usually treatable. Donate today to help treat those affected by broken heart syndrome and support heart and stroke patients nationwide. What To Look For: Signs and Symptoms The most common signs and symptoms of broken heart syndrome are angina chest pain and shortness of breath. You can experience these things even if you have no history of heart disease.
Arrhythmias irregular heartbeats or cardiogenic shock also may occur with broken heart syndrome. When people die from heart attacks, cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of death.
The risk of developing the condition increases five times after the age of While the syndrome has been reported in younger women, in men and even in children, the vast majority of patients are post-menopausal women. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it is believed that because the female hormone estrogen helps to protect the heart from the harmful effects of adrenaline, women become particularly vulnerable to the effects of sudden stress as they grow older and their estrogen levels decline.
Other risk factors for developing this condition include a history of anxiety, depression or neurologic illness. If you have a new or existing heart problem, it's vital to see a doctor. Our heart health checklist can help you determine when to seek care. Studies suggest that a person who has experienced broken heart syndrome will most likely not have more episodes. Short and long term prognosis depends on the type of stressor that causes the syndrome in the first place. Patients who develop broken heart syndrome due to emotional triggers have a good five year prognosis.
Patients with physical stressors have a worse prognosis due to neurologic events, like a stroke. Since the heart muscle is not permanently damaged, most patients with broken heart syndrome continue to live healthy lives.
It is important to follow up with a cardiologist who is familiar with this syndrome and who can tell you when your heart muscle has fully recovered. Early on, the cardiologist may want to treat you with standard medications for heart muscle weakness, but this will depend on several factors including your heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor may suggest an exercise program including cardiac rehabilitation. Avoiding stressful situations if possible is always recommended, and interventions to reduce stress such as biofeedback, meditation, yoga, physical rehabilitation and exercise can be very helpful to some patients with this syndrome.
Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What is broken heart syndrome? What causes broken heart syndrome? Emotional Stressors Emotional stressors include: Grief Fear Extreme anger Surprise Physical Stressors These conditions include: High fever Stroke Seizure Difficulty breathing such as an asthma attack or emphysema Significant bleeding Low blood sugar What are the symptoms of broken heart syndrome?
The symptoms of broken heart syndrome can mimic symptoms of a heart attack , including: Chest pain Shortness of breath Diaphoresis sweating Dizziness These symptoms may begin as soon as minutes or as long as hours after an emotionally or physically stressful event. Broken heart syndrome typically occurs in patients older than 50 and is more common in women, although it also can occur in younger women and men.
Sirna said. Most affected individuals regain cardiac function within a short period of time. It's often difficult to tell the difference between broken heart syndrome and a heart attack. Thus, if you experience symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing, don't assume you're having broken heart syndrome -- call , Dr.
Her specialties include women's health, preventive cardiology and clinical cardiology. Sirna is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Materials provided by Loyola University Health System. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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