Broken heart syndrome is a condition usually brought on by stressful situations or extreme emotions. Serious physical illness or surgery can trigger broken heart syndrome.
It is usually temporary, but it may take time for the heart to heal. Symptoms of broken heart
syndrome include sudden chest pain, where a person might feel they are having a "heart attack." Shortness of breath, sweating and dizziness are others symptoms caused by interruptions in the way your heart pumps blood through it. Stress cardiomyopathy and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are other terms used for broken heart syndrome.
It is unclear of the exact cause of broken heart syndrome, but many medical professionals feel the heart is affected by hormones, brought on by negative emotions. These negative emotions cause an increase in the stress hormones; cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline and a decrease in positive hormones called serotonin and oxytocin.
Examples of Stressful Emotional Events
Death of a loved one
Divorce or break up with significant other
Loss of one's job, money or home
Multiple deaths significant to one person in a short amount of time
Sudden asthma attack or COVID-19
Major surgery
Sudden broken bone
Heated argument
If you develop any of these symptoms, you should call 911 and seek treatment immediately. The physician will order multiple tests, including an EKG, Chest x-ray,
cardiac enzymes(which determine heart muscle damage) and admission for further evaluation. Broken heart syndrome can cause ST-segment changes on the electrocardiogram, similar to having a heart attack. An echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization with help determine if there is any weakness in your heart muscle and blockage in your coronary arteries. Broken heart syndrome doesn't have blocked arteries but the blood flow may be reduced. If needed, your physician will treat you with ace-inhibitors to lower your blood pressure, beta blockers to slow your heart rate down and diuretics to get rid of excess fluid in your lungs due to ineffective pumping of the blood through your heart.
Postmenopausal women are effected by broken heart syndrome more than men, and most people that develop broken heart syndrome are over the age of 50. At higher risk, are people that have a history of anxiety or depression.
Chronic stress may increase your risk of broken heart syndrome, so many physicians recommend taking steps to lower your emotional stress and improve your heart health. Broken heart syndrome is a condition that can reoccur, which is called recurrent takotsubo
cardiomyopathy. Getting more exercise, finding more time to do your favorite things, and connecting with some support groups will help manage your stress in your life.
Resources: Written by Denise Clark RN BCEN CLNC
Mayo Clinic.com Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board