Broken heart syndrome is a heart disorder that’s often caused by stressful conditions and intense emotions. This condition can also be triggered by a serious physical illness or surgery. Broken heart syndrome is a temporary problem, but a few people may continue to feel sick even after the treatment is provided and the heart is cured.

People who suffer from broken heart syndrome may experience sudden chest pain or feel they’re having a heart attack. It affects a part of the heart and impedes the way the heart pumps blood. While the rest of the heart continues to work normally and at times the heart contracts more forcefully. Medications are prescribed to treat symptoms of broken heart syndrome.
Broken heart syndrome

This condition is also called stress cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, recurrent takosubo cardiomyopathy, and apical ballooning syndrome.

Symptoms

Usually, the symptoms of broken heart syndrome mimic that of a heart attack. Some of the signs and symptoms include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath

Also Read: Heart Rhythm Disorders: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Causes

The exact cause of broken heart syndrome is not clear, but it’s thought that a spike in stress hormones like adrenaline, may temporarily damage the hearts of some people. While temporary squeezing of the large or small arteries of the heart may also hold a role. People with broken heart syndrome may have a change in the structure of the heart muscle.

An extreme physical or emotional event may often occur before broken heart syndrome which can trigger the condition, which includes:

  • Sudden sicknesses like an asthma attack or COVID-19 infection
  • Surgery
  • Sudden bone fracture
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Strong conflict

In very rare cases, use of certain drugs may lead to broken heart syndrome, which includes:

  • Medications to treat severe allergic reactions or severe asthma
  • Medicines to treat anxiety.
  • Nasal decongestants
  • Use of illegal drugs

Inform your healthcare provider about the medication you take, including those brought without a prescription and when starting a new medicine discuss with your healthcare provider about the possible risks and side effects.

Broken Heart Syndrome Vs Heart Attack

Generally, heart attacks are caused by a complete blockage of a heart artery. While in broken heart syndrome, the arteries are not blocked but the blood flow to the arteries of the heart is reduced.

Diagnosis

This condition is mostly diagnosed in an emergency, as the symptoms mimic a heart attack. To diagnose broken heart syndrome, the doctor would do a complete physical examination and asks questions regarding symptoms, emotional health, and medical history. Moreover, people with this syndrome usually don’t show any heart disease symptoms before it is diagnosed.

Some of the tests suggested by the doctor to diagnose broken heart syndrome include:

Blood Tests: Cardiac enzyme tests, as most people with this condition, have elevated levels of these enzymes in the blood.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and shows how fast or slow the heart is beating. The ECG results look different for broken heart syndrome from those of a heart attack.

Coronary Angiogram: This test checks for any blockages in the heart arteries and it’s done to rule out a heart attack.

Echocardiogram: Sound waves are used to produce images of the heart and show how blood flows via the heart and heart valves. this test can also help to see if the heart is enlarged, as these changes may be a vital sign to confirm broken heart syndrome.

Cardiac MRI:  Magnetic fields and radio waves are used to create detailed pictures of the heart.

Treatment

There’s no standard treatment protocol for broken heart syndrome and most of the time treatment is similar to heart attack until the diagnosis is clear. Most patients are hospitalized for a few days until they get better. Usually, patients recover completely within a month or so and an echocardiogram is done about 4 to 6 weeks after the first symptoms to ensure the heart is fully recovered.

Medications are prescribed to ease the strain on the heart and avert any further attacks.

Also Read: Proven Exercises To Improve Blood Circulation For Enhanced Overall Health

Prevention

The health care providers may recommend long-term treatment with beta-blockers or similar medicines to avert another episode of broken heart syndrome. These medications can potentially hinder the harmful effects of stress hormones on the heart. Some of the effective strategies to alleviate stress include:

  • Getting regular exercise
  • Practice mindful behaviours like engaging in meditation, yoga, or breathing exercise
  • Getting connected with support groups