Does a broken heart syndrome really exist?

Broken heart is a real thing, both as an emotional and a medical condition. It is often associated with intense emotional pain, such as after a loss or trauma, but there is also a medical condition known as broken heart syndrome (or takotsubo cardiomyopathy).

Broken heart syndrome is a real heart condition that can occur after a severe emotional or physical stress event. It was first described in Japan and its name comes from the Japanese word takotsubo, an octopus trap that resembles the shape of a broken heart.

Symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate. It is often caused by sudden emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one, shocking news, or even joyful events.

The heart muscle is temporarily weakened, especially in the left ventricle, making the heart less efficient at pumping blood. Fortunately, this is usually a temporary condition and many people recover fully with proper medical care.

Although the exact causes are not fully understood, a sudden increase in stress hormones such as adrenaline is thought to play a major role. People who suffer from this syndrome do not have blockage of the coronary arteries as in a typical heart attack.

Source: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/is-broken-heart-syndrome-real

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-13 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024