Do you suffer from broken heart syndrome? This syndrome causes sudden weakness in the heart muscle and prevents it from performing its function properly.
This syndrome occurs as a result of your exposure to the following: –
- Strong emotional shock.
- Physical stress.
- Extreme sadness.
Broken heart syndrome may last for a few days or weeks, but most people can recover completely by taking recommended medications.
So if you would like to know more information about this syndrome, what its causes are, and how it can be treated, follow this article with me.
What is broken heart syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome is a temporary heart condition that occurs when part of the heart muscle weakens rapidly due to sudden physical or emotional stress.
During this condition, stress hormones suddenly increase, such as adrenaline, resulting in the left ventricle of the heart swelling and changing its shape, leading to the following: -
- The heart stops pumping properly.
- Reducing blood flow out of the heart.
This syndrome is known by many names, including:
- Stress-induced cardiomyopathy.
- Transient apical swelling syndrome.
- Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
- Gebruchen-Herz syndrome.
Symptoms of broken heart syndrome
You may feel symptoms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy within minutes to hours after experiencing severe stress, and its symptoms are very similar to those of a heart attack.
It includes the following:
- Sudden severe chest pain.
- Sweating.
- Weakness of the left ventricle of the heart.
- Pain in the arm and shoulders.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
- Low blood pressure.
- Fainting.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Fatigue.
- Heart palpitations.
Although the symptoms of this syndrome are similar to a heart attack, when doctors performed angiography of the heart, they found little or no blockages in the heart vessels.
They also found that certain areas of the heart do not pump blood well, while other areas are too active.
Causes of broken heart syndrome
Doctors cannot yet determine the exact cause of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, but they believe the following:
- About a third of patients suffer from physical stress.
- The second third suffer from emotional stress.
- The remaining patients have no identifiable trigger at the time of their initial symptoms.
Physical stress includes:
- Severe pain.
- High fever.
- stroke.
- asthma.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Low blood sugar.
- Severe bleeding.
- Surgery.
Emotional stressors include:
- Extreme sadness.
- the fear.
- Bad news.
- Traumatic events, such as accidents or earthquakes.
- Extreme anger.
- Very happy events.
- Physical assault.
- Financial worries.
- Domestic abuse.
Broken heart syndrome is not a hereditary condition, as there is no evidence to suggest that a parent can pass it on to their children.
What are risk factors for broken heart syndrome?
You may be more likely to develop broken heart syndrome if you: –
- Female, as women are more susceptible to this syndrome than men as they age, due to low levels of the hormone estrogen, which contributes to protecting the heart from the harmful effects of adrenaline.
- Over fifty years old.
- You suffer from a psychological disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
- She suffers from a neurological disease.
Types of broken heart syndrome
There are four different types of this syndrome, including the following:
- Apical type:-
It is the most common type, representing about 80% of cases, and affects the lower half of the heart.
- Mid-ventricular type: –
This type affects the middle part of the lower chambers of the heart, where the affected area looks like a belt, or a ring around the heart.
The areas of the heart above and below that belt are still working as they should.
- Basal type:-
This type is very rare and represents about 2% of cases. It affects the upper and middle part of the heart, and the area below the belt is the only area that functions normally.
- Focal type:-
It is the rarest type, accounting for about 1% of cases, and affects a small area compared to other types.
Read also: Treatment of clogged coronary arteries
How is broken heart syndrome diagnosed?
Your doctor may ask you to undergo a number of tests to rule out a heart attack and confirm the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Tests include the following:
- Physical examination and medical history:
Understanding your stressors and recent events is crucial.
- Echocardiography test:
This test uses ultrasound technology;
- Ventriculography:
The doctor injects a dye into the left ventricle of the heart, then takes X-ray pictures, to determine the volume and pumping efficiency of that heart chamber.
- Electrocardiogram:
This test checks the electrical activity of the heart and can help distinguish between a heart attack and broken heart syndrome.
- Coronary angiography:
This test uses dye and X-rays to check for blockages in the coronary arteries, which are usually absent in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
- Blood tests:
Blood tests reveal high levels of certain enzymes and proteins, which may indicate heart damage.
- Cardiac MRI:
This test shows detailed images of the inside of the heart.
- Computed tomography of the heart:
This test is used to provide more detailed pictures of the heart.
Book your consultation now at Cardiovascular Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Methods of treating broken heart syndrome
Although there is no cure for broken heart syndrome, most people make a full recovery after taking medications.
- Heart rate.
- blood pressure.
Medications that your doctor may advise you include the following
- Aspirin;
- Beta blockers;
- Diuretics to prevent fluid accumulation.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, to lower blood pressure and fight inflammation.
- blood thinners;
Lifestyle modifications can help treat broken heart syndrome, including the following
- Physical rehabilitation and exercise for cardiac rehabilitation.
- Avoid stressful situations as much as possible.
- Yoga and meditation, to reduce stress.
Can broken heart syndrome be cured?
Yes.
Frequently asked questions about broken heart syndrome
If you suffer from broken heart syndrome, you may have many questions on your mind, including the following: –
How long does broken heart syndrome last?
The effect of adrenaline during this syndrome is temporary.
But some people may experience low energy levels for several months after developing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
What does a broken heart indicate?
It indicates the occurrence of a temporary medical condition as a result of exposure to stressful events, whether emotional or physical.
These hormones impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms similar to a heart attack.
How do we heal a broken heart from death?
You can recover from broken heart syndrome through the following: –
- Get rid of things you can't control.
- Stay away from nervous situations as much as possible.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise, yoga and meditation.
- Commitment to taking the medications prescribed by your doctor.
What is the difference between broken heart syndrome and a heart attack?
The symptoms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are similar to those of a heart attack, but with this syndrome you don't have blocked coronary arteries, you don't have permanent heart damage and you usually recover quickly.
In conclusion, you now realize, dear reader, what broken heart syndrome is? What are its symptoms and the reasons that lead to its occurrence.
Therefore, if you suffer from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and want to get rid of its annoying symptoms, you must go to Al Mousa Specialist Hospital immediately, so that the best doctors can help you fully recover from this problem.
Sources and references
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy – heartfoundation
Broken Heart Syndrome – clevelandclinic
