Many people may not know that stress or severe emotional conditions can harm the heart more than expected. These can lead to abnormal heart function and cause the heart muscle to weaken due to stress. Symptoms are usually sudden and temporary but can be severe enough to result in death. Therefore, managing stress properly and keeping the heart healthy is crucial.
Understanding Broken Heart Syndrome
Broken Heart Syndrome, or Stress Cardiomyopathy, is a condition where the heart muscle weakens due to stress. It was first discovered in Japan, under the name Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, and is commonly seen in middle-aged women. It is related to physical stress or mental stress, leading to temporary weakening of heart muscles. The left bottom side of the heart protrudes abnormally, resembling a Japanese octopus trap, and can cause acute heart failure and death.
Causes of Broken Heart Syndrome
The exact cause is unknown, but it’s associated with various factors, including:
- Stress from various issues such as
- Medical illness
- Loss of a loved one, divorce
- Job or financial problems
- Intense disappointment
- Severe injury
- Drug abuse
- etc.
Short-term and long-term accumulated stress can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to an irregularly fast heartbeat, ischemia, and heart failure
- Hormones: This syndrome is mostly found in postmenopausal women as estrogen levels decrease, reducing the heart’s tolerance to stress-related hormones, potentially leading to Broken Heart Syndrome
Symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome
- Chest tightness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Broken Heart Syndrome is made by cardiologists based on symptoms, stress history, and laboratory tests, which include:
- Medical history taking
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): In patients with Broken Heart Syndrome, the abnormality in the electrical heart wave pattern resembles that of patients with acute coronary artery blockage
- Echocardiogram: Shows abnormal contraction of the heart’s left ventricle in patients with Broken Heart Syndrome, with decreased contraction strength, weakening the heart’s left ventricle
- Coronary Angiography (CAG)
Treatment of Broken Heart Syndrome
Most cases of Broken Heart Syndrome require hospitalization. Symptoms range from mild to severe. If not severe, a cardiologist will treat it with medication. In severe cases accompanied by heart failure, intubation and mechanical ventilation may be necessary. It’s also vital to address the stress factors involved. According to foreign journals, the heart usually returns to normal with a low mortality rate of about 1%. The recurrence rate is 2 – 5%.
Prevention of Broken Heart Syndrome
- Stay calm, avoid stress, change perspectives and thoughts, and meditate
- Communicate with family and friends to share stories and problems. Don’t bear the stress alone
- Maintain good health by eating nutritious food, resting adequately, and exercising regularly
- Enjoy life with activities like traveling, cooking, hiking, gardening, or pet-keeping, etc.
- Regular heart check-ups: In addition to annual health check-ups, follow specific cardiac screening recommendations by a cardiologist
Broken Heart Syndrome can recur due to stress. The best course is to strengthen the heart, face all problems with understanding, and manage stress appropriately. If any abnormal symptoms occur, it is recommended to immediately see a doctor.
Credit: https://www.bangkokhearthospital.com/content/broken-heart-syndrome
Improper stress management can be life-threatening. Consult with experts to handle stress correctly and receive timely treatment from specialized doctors to reduce the risk of heart muscle weakening conditions. Contact the heart and nervous system department for specialist consultation.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
Heart and Nervous System Department, Bangkok Sanamchan Hospital, Phone: 032-219600 ext. 2181, 2182
Line: Bangkoksanamchan
FB: Bangkok Hospital Sanamchan
