After experiencing a traumatic event such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, many individuals may suffer from physical symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as broken heart syndrome, but its formal name is takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This serious condition is believed to be triggered by intense physical or emotional stress, which leads to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. These hormones can disrupt the heart's ability to contract properly, resulting in significant health issues.
Recent research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights the alarming statistics associated with broken heart syndrome. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 adults hospitalized with this condition between 2016 and 2020. It revealed that approximately 11% of men suffering from broken heart syndrome did not survive, compared to about 5% of women. This reinforces earlier studies indicating that men experience higher mortality rates when affected by this condition.
Dr. Harmony Reynolds, director of the Sarah Ross Soter Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Research at NYU Langone Health, noted, "It seems to be a consistent finding that men don’t get takotsubo syndrome as much, but when they do, they do worse." This suggests that the underlying triggers for broken heart syndrome may differ significantly between men and women.
Cardiologists have identified that men typically experience broken heart syndrome due to physical stressors, such as undergoing surgery or suffering a stroke. In contrast, women often face emotional triggers, such as a job loss or the passing of a loved one. Dr. Ilan Wittstein from Johns Hopkins Medicine stated, “The people with emotional stressors actually do quite well,” indicating that the type of stressor plays a critical role in the outcomes associated with this condition.
Dr. Mohammad Movahed, the study's lead author, pointed out that men might struggle more with recovery from broken heart syndrome due to lower levels of social support. "If you have this stressful trigger, and the stress is not gone, that’s probably going to continue to harm the heart," Movahed explained. This ongoing stress can impede recovery and increase the likelihood of serious complications.
To diagnose broken heart syndrome, medical professionals look for specific signs, including an enlarged heart muscle that resembles a balloon. Importantly, patients typically do not exhibit blocked arteries, which are common in traditional heart attacks. Most individuals can identify a stressful event that preceded the onset of symptoms, highlighting the connection between emotional stress and physical health.
Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, emphasized that everyday stresses, both physical and emotional, can have significant effects on heart health. “You can feel the heartache in those moments, and there may literally be some heartache of sorts that’s accompanying that,” he stated.
Experts suggest that some individuals may have a predisposition to broken heart syndrome. Stress hormones can constrict the tiny blood vessels around the heart, reducing blood flow and increasing susceptibility, especially in those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Research has shown that post-menopausal women are particularly vulnerable, likely due to a decline in estrogen levels, which help keep these blood vessels dilated.
Treating and preventing broken heart syndrome presents challenges for cardiologists. Currently, doctors may prescribe medications such as beta blockers or recommend stress-reduction techniques like meditation and therapy. However, Dr. Movahed noted that no specific treatment has proven effective in reducing complications or mortality rates associated with this condition.
Despite the findings of stable mortality rates from 2016 to 2020, Dr. Wittstein cautioned that the study's reliance on diagnostic codes may not capture the full range of contributing factors to patient deaths. "I’m quite sure that some of these people recovered from the broken heart syndrome and then died of complications of something else,” he said.
Cardiologists strongly advise patients experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath to seek immediate medical attention rather than dismissing their symptoms as mere stress. “You can’t tell the difference between this and traditional heart attacks until you get to the hospital and have a series of tests,” Reynolds emphasized. Ignoring these symptoms can have serious consequences, so timely medical intervention is crucial for anyone experiencing signs of broken heart syndrome.
