5 Important Facts About Broken Heart Syndrome

Broken heart syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) is a ventricular dysfunction that develops from stress. It is a slight contraction of the left ventricle that gives the heart the shape of a cone and, consequently, causes a feeling of suffocation in the patient and a disproportionate increase in adrenaline.

In recent years, this medical condition has become quite popular. However, there are nuances that must be clarified. Among these is the fact that it is a heart disease that resolves in a few days, without leaving sequelae.

There are many more nuances around Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that need to be known and, above all, how it can be prevented.

1. Broken heart syndrome can be more serious in men

The idea that broken heart syndrome is so common in women has become so popular that some people come to believe that it is exclusive to this gender and that, in turn, it is the most common type of heart disease that they can suffer.

Let’s clarify ideas:

• Broken heart syndrome occurs mostly in postmenopausal women.
• Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can also affect men. The proportion is smaller, but there are data that we cannot neglect.

Men have a greater clinical history associated with heart disease than women, therefore, the fact that this type of stress-associated cardiac disease appears at any given time can be serious and even fatal if that man already has previous heart problems.

We are dealing with a type of temporary cardiac abnormality that, in reality, is not as frequent as heart attacks.

2. There is no heart failure: it is a temporary disorder

The most complex thing about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is that the person truly believes that they are having a heart attack, that they are going to die.

The symptoms are the same, but when doctors carry out clinical tests, they instantly discover that there is no heart failure:

• There is no blood clot blocking the artery.
• Instead, something very striking is seen: the left ventricle has a conical shape.
• This alteration is due to the impact of adrenaline that temporarily deforms the heart muscle, but never the coronary arteries themselves.

In general, this alteration resolves in a short time without leaving sequelae.  However, the problem is undoubtedly whether we already have previous heart problems or whether we suffer from this cardiomyopathy more often.

3. Suddenly, emotions attack the heart

A disappointment, a loss, a strong emotional impact, bad news are adversities that are not always dealt with in the best way. Sometimes the brain reacts in the worst way: releasing a toxic combination of hormones that directly attack the heart.

On the one hand, the level of dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine rises in an incredible way. They are catecholamines that flow in the blood to directly impact the heart muscle.

It is indeed something similar to an internal blow, which is followed by a paralyzing pain in the chest, a feeling of suffocation and dizziness. The person believes that he is going to die because the emotions act as his enemies.

4. Can I die from broken heart syndrome?

One idea that has become popular is that no one dies from “having a broken heart.” However, we must be clear about some aspects:

If we do not control our stressful situations, what begins as a simple cardiomyopathy can lead to severe heart disease or even a heart attack.

If we suffer from this syndrome again, this cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle can be damaged.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be serious in older patients or in people who have other associated conditions. Therefore, we should see this medical condition as a “warning”, as a direct invitation to take care of ourselves physically and psychically a little more.

5. Can be overcome

No one can foresee what may happen tomorrow or how we can react to bad news. The ideal is to take care of the body and train the mind in strengths, in inner calm, in resilience and in self-control.

These would be some basic guidelines.

• Take care of your lifestyle habits. Avoid smoking, eat healthy, and exercise. All this will allow you to have a stronger heart.
• Train your emotions. To do this, you can practice different techniques for relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and so on.
• Find activities that promote the release of your emotions, that make you feel good, that produce well-being: dancing, painting, writing, talking with friends, among others.

To conclude, even though broken heart syndrome is not a serious or life-threatening medical condition, we must view it as a demonstration of how our own emotions can harm us at any given moment.