Although stories of heartbreak and love songs may come to mind, going through a traumatic incident can negatively affect the heart.

When someone endures abrupt, intense physical or mental stress, which can quickly weaken the left ventricle of the heart, they may develop broken heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

You should know the causes, signs, and remedies for broken heart syndrome.

Broken Heart Syndrome Is on the Rise Since Before the Pandemic Especially Among Middle-Aged, Older Women
(Photo: Pixabay)
Broken Heart Syndrome has been on the Rise Since Before the Pandemic, Especially Among Middle-Aged, Older Women.


Broken Heart Syndrome: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Explained

Emergency Live said researchers discovered Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called Broken Heart Syndrome, in Japan in 1990.

The phrase "acute coronary syndrome" refers to many disorders associated with a rapid decrease in the blood flow to the heart. Doctors now know that it is uncommon, accounting for approximately 1-2% of suspected cases.

This condition results in a balloon-like expansion of the heart's left ventricle.

The design is reminiscent of the takotsubo pot used by Japanese fishermen to catch octopuses.

The condition was so given that name.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy typically develops after a stressful event, such as losing a loved one, a natural disaster, or a physical strain. It begins suddenly and unpredictably.

Broken heart syndrome has symptoms like a heart attack. These include:

  • chest pain,
  • irregular heartbeat,
  • dizziness or fainting,
  • breathing difficulties,
  • stroke-like signs, including disorientation,
  • numbness on one side of the body, or
  • drooping facial muscles

However, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy cannot be identified just by its symptoms. So it's best to consult your doctors immediately.

ALSO READ: How Does Heartbreak Affect the Body? Here's the Science Behind A Broken Heart


Broken Heart Syndrome Causes

Blockages in the arteries that provide blood to the heart lead to heart attacks. Contrarily, those who have broken heart syndrome experience surges of stress chemicals like adrenaline that impair their hearts' ability to contract normally. The illness is officially referred to as takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

According to Cleveland Clinic, doctors have discovered fractured heart syndrome in about 2 percent of patients suspected of having a heart attack. It frequently happens soon after a stressful occurrence, such as a vehicle accident, financial setback, or untimely death of a loved one.

After a happy, emotionally charged event like a surprise party or winning the lottery, and after a physical event like strenuous exercise, people can also experience broken heart syndrome.

In a 2021 research, women made up around 88 percent of cases with broken heart syndrome, making them the group with the highest prevalence among women 50 and older. A 2020 research also discovered that patients with broken heart syndrome, also called Takotsubo syndrome, had higher anxiety problem rates than healthy individuals.

In contrast to sudden cardiac death, which affects 80% of males, Time Magazine said Takotsubo affects post-menopausal women more frequently (80 to 90%). Although sudden cardiac death has the same causes, it has a far lower death rate-around 5%.

A Deadly Disease

In another post by Cleveland Clinic, about 1% of those with broken heart syndrome pass away due to this sickness. Many people experience short-term cardiac damage and recover completely within a month or so.

Although experts are looking into whether deep breathing can be helpful, they told NBC News that there is no known way to avoid broken heart syndrome.

Even after a catastrophe, maintaining excellent physical and emotional health is crucial, according to doctors, to lower the chance of developing heart disease.

 RELATED ARTICLE: Is Broken Heart Syndrome Real? Here's How Stress Could Break Your Heart

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