Life’s emotional ups and downs can have a surprising impact on our health, especially our hearts. If you’ve ever felt like heartbreak or sudden shock left you physically shaken, you’re not alone.
Also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress cardiomyopathy, Broken Heart Syndrome is a temporary heart condition often triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress. While it mimics a heart attack in many ways, seeking timely medical care can lead to a full recovery and help prevent future episodes.
What is Broken Heart Syndrome?
In Broken Heart Syndrome, a sudden surge of stress hormones temporarily affects the heart’s ability to pump effectively. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy can strike even the healthiest of individuals, though women are more likely to experience the sudden and intense chest pain associated with the condition.
First described in 1991, Broken Heart Syndrome is a highly treatable diagnosis. In very rare cases, it can lead to complications like heart failure. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis and provide guidance on managing stress and heart health.
What Does Broken Heart Syndrome Feel Like?
The most common signs of Broken Heart Syndrome are chest pain and shortness of breath, often occurring suddenly. The symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome are similar to those of a heart attack and may include:
- Sudden, severe chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Fatigue
These symptoms can occur even in individuals with no prior history of heart disease.
What Causes Broken Heart Syndrome?
Research indicates that women, particularly those over the age of 50, are more likely to experience Broken Heart Syndrome. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women accounted for 88.3 percent of cases, with the highest rates among those aged 50 to 74.
Causes of Takotsubo syndrome include:
- Sudden extreme emotional stress (both positive and negative), such as the death of a loved one
- Physical stress, such as major surgery or a serious illness
- Intense fear or shock
- Severe pain
- Hormonal changes
Is Broken Heart Syndrome a False Heart Attack?
Because symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome are nearly identical to a heart attack, medical tests (ECG, echocardiogram, blood tests) are necessary to distinguish between the two.
Unlike a heart attack, Broken Heart Syndrome does not involve blocked coronary arteries. Instead, a portion of the heart muscle temporarily enlarges and doesn’t pump well, while the rest of the heart functions normally or with even more forceful contractions.
Don’t Assume It’s Stress
If you experience sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as these symptoms can indicate a heart attack or Broken Heart Syndrome.
Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome. Those who have gone through an extreme emotional event and feel heart-related symptoms, or who experience symptoms that persist beyond a few weeks should also see a doctor.
Most cases of Broken Heart Syndrome resolve within a few days to weeks, with full recovery typically occurring within one to two months. Some people may experience lingering symptoms, especially if stressors persist.
As with all heart-health issues, managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, exercise and social support, can play a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is one of the few nationally certified programs on Long Island. Our team of nurse practitioners, cardiac registered nurses, exercise physiologists, and physical and respiratory therapists provide a personalized treatment plan and seamlessly communicate the continuum of care with your medical team. To learn more about our program and enrollment, call (631) 726-8620.
