Broken heart syndrome has many names such as stress cardiomyopathy, takotsubo cardiomyopathy or apical distension syndrome. It’s a temporary heart condition similar to a heart attack that develops in response to intense physical or emotional stress, causing rapid and severe weakening of the heart muscle, according to Boldsky’s website.
The condition was first described by a Japanese cardiologist in 1990, and the word “takotsubo” in Japanese means an octopus fishing bowl, which has a wide bottom and a narrow neck, mimicking what is caused by broken heart syndrome in patients from systolic enlargement in the left ventricle that resembles the shape of a trap. Octopus.
heartbreak
Studies show that broken heart syndrome can occur as a result of a variety of emotional stressors such as sadness, intense anger, fear, and shocking surprises. Any of these factors causes the release of large amounts of hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine to deal with stress in the body. Large amounts of these hormones then interfere with the heart’s pumping chamber (the left ventricle) and cause changes in its shape to become like an octopus trap, resulting in a temporary decrease in the heart’s blood supply. Examples of common causes of broken heart syndrome include:
• Severe or sudden financial crises
• Death of a family member
Emotional stress related to the profession
• Domestic Violence
• having an accident
• Engage in heated arguments
• Divorce cases
• Unexpected surprises like winning a huge amount of money
Excessive enthusiasm during public speaking
The list of physical stressors that can cause the condition includes:
• heart attacks
• brain attack
Severe asthma
• Medications for stress and anxiety
• Nasal decongestants
• Use of illegal drugs such as cocaine.
Broken heart symptoms
Symptoms of broken heart syndrome:
• Feeling chest pain, without any history of heart disease
• A slight increase in the heart enzyme.
• An increase in the signs of myocardial ischemia, such as an acceleration of the heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• Vomiting and nausea
• fainting
Heavy sweating
• vertigo
risk factors
Some risk factors for broken heart syndrome include:
• Gender: the condition is more common among women, especially elderly women in menopause, compared to men.
• Age: the condition affects people over the age of 50 more than the younger age groups.
• Health status: People who suffer from medical conditions such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and diabetes are more susceptible to this condition.
Possible complications
Although broken heart syndrome is treatable and treatable, in some cases it can lead to complications such as:
Low blood pressure
• heart failure
Fluid buildup in the lungs
• Formation of blood clots.
• Obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle.
Diagnostic methods
Because broken heart syndrome mimics a heart attack, some symptoms can confuse a medical professional during diagnosis. Therefore, the patient’s correct medical history, along with recent episodes of physical or emotional stress, should be properly examined by a medical expert to rule out other heart conditions.
Diagnostic methods
• ECG: to check the heart rhythm and record its electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram: It helps in obtaining medical imaging of the heart and looking for signs of inflammation in the heart and nearby vessels.
• Blood test: helps check the presence of enzymes that indicate damage to the heart muscles.
• Angiography: helps in imaging blood vessels, veins and heart chambers.
Methods of Treatment
Treatment for broken heart syndrome depends on the severity of the condition and may vary from patient to patient. Some treatment methods may include:
• Medications: Treatment is with aspirin, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics.
• Surgeries: They are performed in rare cases to treat heart blockages.
• Reducing the effects of stress: These include methods of reducing physical and psychological stress through practicing yoga or meditation exercises.