What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?
Broken coronary heart syndrome is a brief and reversible heart circumstance whose symptoms mimic the ones of a coronary heart assault. Unlike a heart attack, broken coronary heart syndrome happens whilst an unexpected bodily or emotional strain causes a rapid weakening of your heart muscle.
You might imagine you’re having a coronary heart assault because symptoms, inclusive of shortness of breath and chest pain, are similar in both situations. However, in damaged coronary heart syndrome, you (for the most part) don’t have blocked coronary arteries or permanent coronary heart harm, and usually make a quick and full healing.
Broken coronary heart syndrome is also called pressure cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo is the Japanese call for an octopus trapping pot with a wide bottom and slender neck. The pot resembles the form of the distressed left ventricle of the heart seen in broken heart syndrome.
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| Broken Heart Syndrome |
Broken coronary heart syndrome, additionally known as strain-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, can strike even if you’re wholesome. (Takotsubo are octopus traps that resemble the pot-like shape of the stricken heart.)
Women are much more likely than guys to revel in unexpected, intense chest pain — the response to a surge of stress hormones — that may be caused by an emotionally disturbing event. It can be the death of a loved one or a divorce, breakup or bodily separation, betrayal or romantic rejection. It could even occur after a great shock, which includes winning the lottery.
Broken coronary heart syndrome can be misdiagnosed as a coronary heart attack because the signs and take a look at outcomes are comparable. Tests display dramatic changes in rhythm and blood materials which can be traditional of a heart assault. But in contrast to a heart assault, there’s no evidence of blocked heart arteries.
In damaged heart syndrome, part of your coronary heart quickly enlarges and doesn’t pump nicely, while the relaxation of your coronary heart capabilities commonly or with even greater forceful contractions. Researchers keep analyzing more approximately the reasons, and a way to diagnose and treat it.
medical terms
Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a real medical condition that can happen to anyone. It usually occurs after a sudden or extreme emotional stress, such as the death of a loved one or a traumatic event. It is caused by an overabundance of stress hormones in the body, which can cause the heart muscle to weaken and the walls of the left ventricle to balloon outward. Ultimately, this can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure.
Broken coronary heart syndrome is a brief coronary heart circumstance it's regularly added on by means of demanding situations and severe emotions. The condition also can be prompted by an extreme bodily contamination or surgical operation.
People with broken heart syndrome may also have surprising chest aches or suppose they may be having a coronary heart attack. Broken coronary heart syndrome affects simply a part of the heart, quickly disrupting the coronary heart's usual pumping feature. The rest of the heart continues to paint nicely or can also squeeze (settlement) greater forcefully.
The symptoms of damaged heart syndrome are treatable. Broken coronary heart syndrome usually reverses itself in days or even weeks.
Broken coronary heart syndrome is a circumstance with symptoms which can be experienced like a heart assault, like chest ache, and shortness of breath, but it’s as a result of going via an emotionally stressful occasion, now not by clogged arteries.
It's prompted by means of very demanding conditions, just like the death of a person you adore.
Your medical doctor can also name this strain-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
A broken heart syndrome is a rare condition in which a person experiences chest pain also known as angina due to an emotional stressor This condition can lead to serious health problems such as arrhythmia and heart attack The symptoms of broken heart syndrome are similar to a heart attack but they tend to go away after a few days If you suspect you may have broken heart syndrome it's important to seek medical attention right away.
Broken heart syndrome may also be called:
Stress cardiomyopathy
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Apical ballooning syndrome
Symptoms Broken heart syndrome
The maximum not unusual signs and signs of broken heart syndrome are angina (chest pain) and shortness of breath. You can revel in this stuff even when you have no history of coronary heart disorder.
Arrhythmias (ordinary heartbeats) or cardiogenic shock also might also occur with damaged coronary heart syndrome. Cardiogenic surprise is a situation in which an unexpectedly weakened heart can’t pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s desires, and it may be fatal if it isn’t dealt with right away. When human beings die from heart attacks, cardiogenic shock is the most commonplace purpose.
Broken heart syndrome symptoms and symptoms can mimic a heart assault and may consist of:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Any long-lasting or persistent chest pain can be a signal of a heart attack, so it's critical to take it critically and call 911 or emergency services if you have chest ache.
When to see a doctor
If you're having any chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath after a worrying event, call 911 or emergency scientific assistance without delay.
Causes Broken heart syndrome
It's a concept that when you have broken heart syndrome, your body releases strain hormones that briefly slash your coronary heart’s capacity to pump as well because it needs to, and part of your coronary heart referred to as the left ventricle quickly weakens and stops pumping well. Experts also trust that your coronary arteries, which feed oxygen to your heart muscle, spasm. This can motivate chest pain. The short-term "freezing" or "stunning" of your heart can bring circulation problems.
If broken coronary heart syndrome is not dealt with, it can be as deadly as a heart attack.
The actual purpose of damaged coronary heart syndrome is uncertain. It's a notion that a surge of pressure hormones, such as adrenaline, may temporarily damage the hearts of a few humans. How those hormones would possibly harm the heart or whether or not something else is responsible isn't always completely clear.
A temporary squeezing (constriction) of the huge or small arteries of the coronary heart may play a role. People who have damaged coronary heart syndrome may have an exchange in the structure of the heart muscle.
Broken coronary heart syndrome is regularly preceded by using an extreme bodily or emotional event. For instance, an acute illness (along with a bronchial asthma attack or COVID-19 infection), major surgical operation or a damaged bone can lead to broken heart syndrome. Anything that reasons a robust emotional response, consisting of a demise or different loss, or a robust argument may also cause this condition.
Rarely, use of positive drugs might also result in damaged heart syndrome, along with:
Emergency medications used to treat severe allergic reactions or severe asthma attacks
Some medications used to treat anxiety
Nasal decongestants
Illegal stimulant drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine
Always tell your health care issuer about the medicines you're taking, together with the ones sold without a prescription. When beginning a new medicine, talk for your issuer about the capacity risks and facet consequences.
How is broken heart syndrome different from a heart attack?
Heart assaults are commonly caused by a whole or close to entire blockage of a coronary heart artery. In broken coronary heart syndrome, the heart arteries aren't blocked, although blood flow inside the arteries of the heart may be decreased.
Risk factors Broken heart syndrome
You may be at a better threat for buying broken coronary heart syndrome if you are a center-elderly lady. The threat of developing the circumstance will increase 5 instances after the age of fifty five. While the syndrome has been said in more youthful ladies, in guys or even in kids, the tremendous majority of patients are submit-menopausal girls. The precise motive for this is unknown, however it's believed that because the female hormone estrogen allows to protect the coronary heart from the damaging consequences of adrenaline, women turn out to be particularly liable to the consequences of sudden strain as they grow older and their estrogen levels decline. Other danger elements for growing this situation consist of a record of tension, melancholy or neurologic infection.
Known risk factors for broken heart syndrome include:
Sex. Broken heart syndrome is more common in women than in men.
Age. It appears that most people who have broken heart syndrome are older than 50.
A previous or current mental health disorder. People who have anxiety or despair may additionally have a better danger of damaged coronary heart syndrome.
Complications Broken heart syndrome
On uncommon occasions, humans die from damaged coronary heart syndrome, but most of the people get better fully with none lengthy-time period results. But it’s viable to have complications.
Rarely, broken heart syndrome can cause loss of life. However, most of the people who have damaged heart syndrome quickly get better and don't have long-lasting consequences.
Other possible complications of broken coronary heart syndrome consist of:
Backup of fluid into the lungs (pulmonary edema)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Heart failure
Blood clots forming within the heart due to the weakened heart muscle
Broken heart syndrome may arise again after any other traumatic occasion. However, the percentages of this happening are low.
Prevention Broken heart syndrome
To save you another episode of broken coronary heart syndrome, many fitness care companies advocate lengthy-term treatment with beta blockers or comparable medicinal drugs that block the potentially unfavorable results of stress hormones at the coronary heart.
Some humans who've persistent strain may also have an expanded risk for broken coronary heart syndrome. Taking steps to manage emotional stress can improve heart fitness and may assist prevent damaged coronary heart syndrome.There are not any regarded remedies for preventing damaged coronary heart syndrome. However, getting to know stress management and trouble-solving techniques can assist improve bodily and emotional pressure.
Engaging in relaxation techniques can also be beneficial. Some examples consist of:
Practicing yoga, meditation, journaling, or mindfulness.
Taking a warm bath; lighting scented candles; and taking long, deep breaths and slowly exhaling.
Depending on the supply of your pressure, there may be a help institution you can be part of to speak about your strain and share coping abilities with others who've had comparable reports. Seeking the help of a professional counselor is probably taken into consideration too.
In addition, managing physical or emotional pressure may be helped by using the following fashionable healthful conduct too. These encompass:
Eating a healthy diet, such as the Dash diet or Mediterranean diet.
Getting regular exercise (at least five times a week for 30 minutes).
Getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Spending time with others.
Keeping your medical appointments, for both observation and preventive health screenings. Finding and treating any fitness troubles early usually ends in the fine outcome for a protracted and healthy life.
Avoid – or higher yet – stop dangerous selections which include smoking, illicit drug use, and alcohol abuse.
What is the best remedy for broken heart syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a temporary heart condition that affects people who are under extreme emotional stress While the condition has been known to affect women more often than men anyone can develop it People who have poor health or take certain medications are at risk for broken heart syndrome The symptoms of broken heart syndrome are similar to those of a heart attack but they appear suddenly and resolve quickly when the stressful situation ends These symptoms include: chest pain shortness of breath nausea and feeling lightheaded If you or someone close to you experiences any of these symptoms get immediate medical care from your doctor or call 911.
What does broken heart syndrome feel like?
The pain of a broken heart is a common occurrence after experiencing a breakup from a long-term relationship or the loss of a loved one. Although it may feel like your heart has been physically injured, you are not alone in feeling this way. This phenomenon is known as chest pain of emotional origin or broken heart syndrome.
Can stress permanently damage your heart?
If you feel that life is stressful these days you are not alone In fact a recent study found that stress affects the body in ways similar to smoking and high blood pressure The researchers who presented their findings at the American College of Cardiology's annual conference on Monday April 18 said that although it will take more research to prove a definitive link between long-term stress and cardiovascular disease the study reinforces the importance of finding ways to manage your stress.
Can broken heart syndrome be cured?
The condition is known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome It occurs when the stress of a traumatic event causes the heart to twist abnormally leading to chest pain and difficulty breathing The problem most often affects women between the ages of 50 and 80 who are experiencing emotional trauma although it can happen to men and younger people as well Doctors say it's not dangerous but can be treated with medication.
Can you exercise with broken heart syndrome?
When you're aching from heartbreak the last thing you want to do is exercise But according to recent research getting your sweat on may just help ease your pain Dejection disorder which affects about 3 percent of Americans is a type of depression that comes on as a response to a significant loss such as the death of a loved one or end of a relationship Symptoms are similar to those of major depression — including mood swings sleeping problems and changes in appetite — but they tend to be less severe and can go away on their own within six months Some people with this condition also experience chest pains shortness of breath and nausea Conventional wisdom says that exercise can speed up recovery But.
Can stress cause heart attacks?
Yes Stress can cause an increased risk of heart attack often referred to as "broken heart syndrome." This condition is more common in women than men. It happens when a stressful event causes the heart muscle to become stunned resulting in a disruption of blood flow to the heart and arteries The most common stressors that trigger broken heart syndrome are: death of a loved one divorce , job loss or marital conflict.
Diagnosis Broken heart syndrome
To diagnose broken coronary heart syndrome, the fitness care issuer will generally perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and scientific records. He or she may also ask if you've had any essential stresses recently, inclusive of the demise of a cherished one.
People who have damaged heart syndrome normally haven't any coronary heart disorder signs and symptoms earlier than they are diagnosed with damaged heart syndrome.
If your health care issuer thinks you've got damaged coronary heart syndrome, the following exams can be achieved to verify the diagnosis:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This brief check measures the electric pastime of the heart. Sticky patches (electrodes) are located at the chest and now and again the arms and legs. Wires join the electrodes to a pc, which suggests the check consequences. An ECG can show if the coronary heart is beating too rapid, too gradual or by no means. ECG outcomes for damaged coronary heart syndrome appear specific than those for a heart attack.
- Coronary angiogram. This check uses X-ray imaging to peer through the heart's blood vessels. During a coronary angiogram, dye is injected into the blood vessels of the coronary heart. Then several X-ray pix (angiograms) are taken. The dye helps the blood vessels display up extra in reality at the X-rays.This noninvasive take a look at uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart's length, structure and motion. It can show if the coronary heart is enlarged or has an unusual shape, which can be a sign of damaged heart syndrome.
Blood tests. People who've damaged coronary heart syndrome often have higher tiers of materials called cardiac enzymes in the blood.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI). This imaging technique makes use of a magnetic discipline and pc-generated radio waves to create designated pix of the systems of the coronary heart.
Treatment Broken heart syndrome
Treatment relies upon the severity of your signs. Broken coronary heart syndrome is usually treated with drugs until complete healing.
There's no general remedy for broken coronary heart syndrome. Treatment is just like coronary heart assault remedy till the diagnosis is clear. Most people live within the health center even as they recover.
Many human beings with damaged coronary heart syndrome completely recover within a month or so. You'll likely need to have every other echocardiogram around four to six weeks when you first had signs and symptoms to be sure your heart has recovered.
Medications
Once it's clear that damaged coronary heart syndrome is the reason for the signs and symptoms, medications can be prescribed to reduce the strain at the coronary heart and prevent further attacks. Medications may additionally include:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Beta blockers
Diuretics
Blood thinners if there is a blood clot
Surgeries or other procedures
Surgeries and tactics which are frequently used to treat a heart assault — including balloon angioplasty and stent placement or open-coronary heart surgical procedure — aren't useful in treating damaged coronary heart syndrome. These processes treat blocked arteries, which are not the purpose of broken coronary heart syndrome.
Preparing for your appointment
Broken coronary heart syndrome is generally identified in an emergency or sanatorium placing, since most people with the circumstance have signs and symptoms same to those of a coronary heart assault.
Call 911 or emergency clinical assist or have a person pressure you to an emergency room when you have new or unexplained chest pain or pressure that lasts for a number of moments.
Have a member of the family or buddy come with you, if feasible. Someone who accompanies you could help consider all the facts furnished for the duration of your assessment.
Share key information with the person taking you to the hospital:
Any symptoms you're having, and how long you've had them.
Your important personal information, Inclusive of any most important stresses, including the dying of a loved one, or latest lifestyle modifications, along with the lack of a task.
Your personal and family medical history, Along with other health situations which you or your blood loved ones have had, which include diabetes, excessive ldl cholesterol or heart disease. It's also useful in your fitness care co
mpanies to know approximately any prescription and nonprescription medicines you're taking.
Any recent injury to your chest That may have brought on damage in the body (internal damage), inclusive of a damaged rib or pinched nerve.
Once you are in the clinic, it's in all likelihood that you'll be evaluated rapidly. Based on results from an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood exams, your health care issuer may be able to quickly decide if you are having a heart attack — or provide you with every other cause of your symptoms. You may also have many questions right now. If you have not obtained the following information, you may want to ask:
What do you think is causing my symptoms?
I recently experienced the sudden death of a loved one. Could my symptoms be due to this event?
What kinds of tests do I need?
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
What treatments do I need right now?
What are the risks associated with these treatments?
Will this happen again?
Do I need to follow any restrictions in my diet or exercise routine after returning home?
Don't hesitate to ask any additional questions.
What to expect from the doctor
A health care provider who sees you for chest pain may ask:
What symptoms are you having?
When did these symptoms begin?
Does your pain spread to any other parts of your body?
Does your pain temporarily increase with each heartbeat?
What words would you use to describe your pain?
Does exercise or physical activity make your symptoms worse?
Do you have any history of heart problems in your family?
Are you being treated or have you recently been treated for any other health conditions?
General summary
Broken heart syndrome is a condition that occurs when the heart is subjected to an overwhelming amount of stress. It is also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress cardiomyopathy, and it is typically brought on by a major emotional or physical shock. It can even be caused by excitement or grief. During an episode of broken heart syndrome, the left ventricle of the heart enlarges and becomes weakened, making it difficult to pump blood.
Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, is an increasingly common medical condition that can occur after emotionally stressful events. The syndrome, caused by a weakened left ventricle of the heart, typically mimics the symptoms of a heart attack. The condition is often marked by chest pain, shortness of breath, and an abnormal heart rhythm. Despite its increasing prevalence, Broken Heart Syndrome is still not well-understood by the medical community, and more research is needed to determine the exact cause and treatment for the condition.