You probably experienced heartbreak at a very young age.
Most people associate broken hearts with failed relationships. However, many patients now suffer from physical conditions related to what is known as broken heart syndrome. According to a 2018 study, this condition affects 15 to 30 people per 100,000 people annually.
Despite being mysterious, broken heart syndrome is real. The disease mostly affects postmenopausal women, usually in their 70s or older, but a small number of patients are younger. Often this happens after the patient has experienced a stressful event.
Broken heart syndrome is also known as takosubo cardiomyopathy, and was first described in 1990 in Japan. This is a sudden weakening of the left ventricle of the heart, the chamber that pumps blood to all parts of the body.
So, broken heart syndrome is a short-term condition in which a portion of the heart muscle weakens quickly. This usually occurs following sudden physical or emotional stress. When a part of your heart isn’t working well, another part may work harder.
Weak heart muscle can interfere with blood supply and its ability to pump. If your heart isn’t pumping well, it will harm your entire body. Every cell in your body depends on the supply of oxygen your blood carries.
Broken heart syndrome sufferers may feel pain or tightness in the chest. Some may experience difficulty breathing. Many patients think they are having a heart attack, but when the doctor performs an examination, the doctor finds no blockage in the heart vessels. Many of these people experience cardiac weakness and electrocardiographic changes that normalize with time.
Prolonged chest pain could be caused by a heart attack. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have new or unexplained chest pain. Also call if you have a very fast or irregular heartbeat or are short of breath.
You may feel signs of broken heart syndrome within minutes to hours after a stressful event. The release of stress hormones temporarily causes your heart muscle to collapse, producing symptoms similar to a typical heart attack.
Broken heart syndrome signs and symptoms include:
1. Shortness of breath — main symptom.
2. Sudden and severe chest pain (angina) — is the main symptom.
3. Weakening of the left ventricle of your heart — the main sign.
4. Low blood pressure (hypotension).
5. Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
6. Heart palpitations.
7. Fainting (syncope).
There are no known ways to prevent broken heart syndrome. However, learning stress management and problem-solving techniques can help you limit physical and emotional strain.
Relaxation techniques may also be helpful. Some examples include:
- Meditating, practicing yoga
- Take a warm bath.
- Taking a long, deep breath, then exhaling slowly.
- Light aromatic candles.
You may be able to join a support group to talk about your stress and share coping skills. A professional counselor also can help.
Healthy habits also can help you manage physical or emotional stress. These habits include:
- Exercise regularly (at least five times a week for 30 minutes).
- Consume nutritious foods such as those in the Mediterranean diet.
- Sleep seven to nine hours every night.
- Keep your medical appointments for check-ups and examinations.
- Spend time with others.
What can you expect if you have broken heart syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome is a transient condition for most people. You’ll likely recover without long-term heart problems.
If an ongoing health problem — such as stroke, asthma, or seizures — triggers an episode of broken heart syndrome, consult your healthcare provider for help in managing this health problem.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may want to do a follow-up echocardiogram about four to six weeks after your event. They want to make sure you don’t have any heart health problems and that the left ventricle of your heart is functioning normally again.
