It is called Broken Heart Syndrome and it is a
medical condition caused by traumatic events. And we’re not talking about rare episodes that
occur only in a small slice of the population but about
serious heart consequences associated, for example, with the loss of a loved one. A
new study highlights, once again, the incredible impact of the psyche
on our body. Not just stomach pain
It has long been known that stress can cause heartburn,
pseudo-gastritis and chest pain. A new study, however, believes that
stress – when it becomes chronic – can literally shatter the heart.
The condition is known medically as tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (or
broken heart) and appears to be the direct consequence of stressful events. Broken heart syndrome, what happens to our
heart muscle
When broken heart syndrome occurs, usually only part of the heart is involved. In this area the normal pumping function is temporarily interrupted. The other parts, on the other hand, work correctly. The most obvious consequence is the weakening of the heart muscle. The difference with heart attack
Unlike heart attack, when broken heart syndrome occurs, the arteries are not completely blocked by a blood clot. The flow, however, can still be reduced. Stop losing your job
It seems it is not necessary to witness a very serious traumatic event: the team of scientists at the Mayo Clinic who have published several studies in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine believe that even the loss of a job can trigger broken heart syndrome. But that’s not all: medical treatments, quarrels with loved ones, and other stressors can also lead to heart damage. Underlying it may be a high release of hormones – such as adrenaline – which negatively affect our heart muscle.
Even positive emotion can cause broken heart syndrome Causes of broken heart syndrome
Mayo Clinic reports some stressful episodes that can
cause broken heart syndrome:
The death of a loved one
A (negative) medical diagnosis
Sexual abuse
Losing – or even winning – a lot of money
A surprise party Having a public speech if you are not
psychologically
prepared
Loss of work
Financial difficulties
Divorce
Physical stressors, such as a asthma attack, a
broken bone or severe surgery Drugs that can cause
broken heart syndrome
Epinephrine used to treat severe allergic reactions or a
severe asthma attack
Duloxetine a drug to treat nerve problems,
diabetes and depression
Venlafaxine drug for depression
Levothyroxine drug for thyroid diseases Why a study on broken heart syndrome
Scientists wanted to dedicate a research on this syndrome starting from a case report on a 63-year-old Canadian woman. It appears that she experienced broken heart syndrome before undergoing treatment for breast cancer. A further 30 cancer patients with broken heart syndrome were also found over the 6-year study. It is important to emphasize that the syndrome can be reversed but it must necessarily be taken in time. Alternatively, there is a risk of heart attacks and shocks. Symptoms of broken heart syndrome
Symptoms of broken heart syndrome are very similar to heart attack. In fact, severe chest pains and shortness of breath can occur. If you suffer from persistent chest pain – of any kind – call for help immediately. Complications include pulmonary edema, hypotension, interrupted heartbeat and heart failure. Treatment of broken heart syndrome
Depending on the severity of the situation, the doctor may
prescribe angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors,
angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers or diuretics. If
no serious complications have developed, the heart is likely within a month
return to normal. But medical monitoring is still necessary. Surgery
In some cases it may be necessary to perform surgery. But the greatest risk is when patients experience cardiogenic shock. In these cases the heart muscle is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body with all the (serious) consequences of the case. According to data from the Mayo Clinic, only one in 10 people develop such complications. For patients who have already seen broken heart syndrome, some doctors recommend preventing future episodes with beta-blockers or drugs that block the effect of stress hormones (such as adrenaline) on the heart.
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