Is broken heart syndrome real? Yes—here’s what to know

             Written by: Deepa Sarkar

Yes! Broken Heart Syndrome (or stress cardiomyopathy) is an actual medical condition caused by either emotional or physical stress.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Let's discuss how it happens and how to recover from it.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, this is a condition that weakens your heart muscle and mimics the symptoms of a heart attack, except there aren’t blocked arteries.

What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Emotional shocks such as: -A breakup or divorce -Death of a loved one -Extreme fear or anger -Sudden good news (yes, even good news can send you into stress cardiomyopathy)

What Causes It?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

-Women (especially if they are post-menopausal) -High stress -Anxiety or depression history

Who Is More Likely to Get It?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

-Sudden chest pain -Shortness of breath -Sweating and fatigue -Irregular heartbeat Note: The symptoms mirror a heart attack, so please seek immediate medical attention.

Signs & Symptoms

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Unlike a heart attack, there are: -No blocked arteries -Heart function that is only temp. -You are likely to feel better within days to weeks with the right treatment.

How Is It Not a Heart Attack?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Yes, it can be fatal, but it is rare. In the vast majority of cases, when treated properly, people will fully recover within days to weeks.

Is It Fatal?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Doctors will do: -ECG -Echocardiogram -Blood tests -Coronary angiogram to confirm it is NOT a heart attack.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

-Beta-blockers & anti-anxiety medications. -Stress relief education. -Cardiac rehabilitation.

Treatment & recovery?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

-Practice mindfulness or yoga -Stay socially connected -Don’t suppress your emotions -Go to therapy whenever needed -Emotional health is heart health

Ways to Avoid It

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Listen to your heart- literally & focus on your emotional health as much as your physical health to have an overall healthier and stronger self.

Final Takeaway

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Tap on that love ❤️ button. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!

Video Credit: Tata 1mg

If you found this helpful,

Arrow