Broken heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a serious condition that alters the shape of the heart’s main pumping chamber, weakening its ability to pump blood effectively. The British Heart Foundation warned women, people over 50, and those with existing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression are particularly vulnerable.
The charity explained: “People have told us takotsubo syndrome can feel a little like a heart attack.”
Symptoms can mirror those of a heart attack, including sudden severe chest pain, a sensation of pressure or heaviness on the chest, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, feeling faint or lightheaded, and nausea. Medical experts are unsure about the exact cause of this dramatic change in heart function, but it is believed that a surge of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline during intense emotional distress may play a role.
The syndrome often follows severe emotional upheaval, such as bereavement, illness, or trauma, earning it the moniker ‘broken heart syndrome’.
Typically, broken heart syndrome is a temporary affliction, persisting for days or weeks, with most patients making a full recovery with appropriate medication.
It is estimated that around 5,000 people in the UK experience this syndrome annually.
Typically, the condition is managed with medications such as diuretics, beta blockers and blood thinners to alleviate strain on the heart and minimise the risk of complications like arrhythmia or blood clots.
Some individuals may necessitate a hospital stay for complete recovery.
Approximately one in 10 patients experience a recurrence after recovery, and some may have enduring symptoms or alterations to their heart shape. These individuals may need long-term medication.
Once a person has fully recovered, it’s advised to manage stress, enhance diet, and maintain physical activity to prevent another episode.
