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What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a usually temporary heart condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. Stressors can include the loss of a loved […]
Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a usually temporary heart condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. Stressors can include the loss of a loved one, a traumatic event like a serious argument, or even surprise good news. Physical events such as breaking a bone, major surgery or sudden severe illness can also provoke broken heart syndrome. Symptoms feel akin to those of a heart attack, including chest pain and shortness of breath, and are thought to be the result of stress hormones interrupting normal blood pumping and weakening the heart muscle. Broken heart syndrome is diagnosed by blood testing, echocardiography, EKG, heart x-rays, and more.
Highlighting the profound connection between emotional and physical health, most patients recover fully within a few weeks — often with medical intervention — though longer term complications can occur. If experiencing any unusual chest pain, it’s a good idea to call 911 or otherwise seek medical attention to rule out an actual heart attack.
Sources
“Broken heart syndrome”. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-heart-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354617
“Broken Heart Syndrome”. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17857-broken-heart-syndrome
