Broken Heart Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Broken heart syndrome happens when stress or strong emotions affect the heart. It can also occur after a major illness or surgery. This condition is usually short-term, but some people may feel unwell even after their heart recovers.
People experiencing broken heart syndrome often have chest pain that resembles a heart attack.
The condition affects only part of the heart, temporarily changing how it pumps blood. The unaffected portions of the heart continue working normally. In some cases, the heart may pump with greater force than usual.
Medical professionals use medications to manage the symptoms of broken heart syndrome.
This condition goes by several other names:
- Stress Cardiomyopathy
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
- Recurrent Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
- Apical Ballooning Syndrome
Proper medical attention is important for anyone experiencing symptoms of broken heart syndrome, as it can be difficult to distinguish from other heart conditions without proper testing.
Signs to Watch For
Broken heart syndrome can look like a heart attack.
People who have it may feel:
- Pain in the chest
- Hard time breathing
When Medical Help is Needed
Call 911 right away if you feel chest pain that doesn’t go away. This could be a heart attack, not broken heart syndrome.
Also, call for help if your heart beats too fast or seems to skip beats. Get help if you can’t catch your breath. Quick medical care can save your life.
How Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Differs From Heart Attacks
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome) happens in a different way than heart attacks.
While heart attacks occur when an artery becomes blocked, preventing blood flow to the heart muscle, broken heart syndrome doesn’t involve blockages. Instead, blood flow might be reduced temporarily, but the arteries remain open.
Scientists don’t fully understand what causes broken heart syndrome.
Many experts believe sudden stress hormones like adrenaline may temporarily damage the heart. These hormones might cause brief squeezing of heart arteries or change how the heart muscle works for a short time.
Most cases follow an intense event that causes strong emotions or physical stress, such as:
Emotional Triggers:
- Death of someone close
- Relationship breakups
- Serious arguments
- Receiving shocking news
Physical Triggers:
- Sudden illness (including asthma attacks or COVID-19)
- Breaking a bone
- Recovering from surgery
Medication-Related Triggers:
Some medications may rarely trigger this condition:
- Emergency medications for severe allergic reactions
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- Decongestants for a stuffy nose
- Stimulant drugs (including illegal substances like methamphetamine and cocaine)
The heart structure may temporarily change during broken heart syndrome. The left ventricle (main pumping chamber) often develops an unusual bulging shape. Unlike heart attacks, which cause permanent damage, broken heart syndrome typically heals completely within days or weeks.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase your chance of developing broken heart syndrome:
- Sex: Women face this condition more often than men.
- Age: People over 50 years old have a higher risk.
- Mental Health: Those with anxiety or depression may be more susceptible.
These risk factors don’t guarantee someone will develop the condition, but they can help identify who might need closer monitoring.
Possible Problems
Broken heart syndrome usually heals quickly without lasting harm. However, some issues may occur:
- Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeats
- Heart failure
- Blood clots forming in the heart
In rare cases, this condition can be fatal. Some people experience recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy, where the condition returns after initial recovery. Most patients make a full recovery with proper medical care.
Prevention
To prevent broken heart syndrome from recurring, doctors often suggest ongoing treatment with beta blockers or similar medications that protect the heart from stress hormones.
Here are some effective stress management techniques:
- Regular physical exercise
- Mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing
- Participation in support groups
