Spoiler Alert: It’s very real.
Did you know that you can actually die from a broken heart?
The medical community calls it takotsubo cardiomyopathy, stress cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome or, quite simply, broken heart syndrome.
But a heart condition by any other name…
Are You Serious? What’s Broken Heart Syndrome?
Dead serious. Broken heart syndrome is a documented but still rather mysterious cardiac phenomenon wherein part of a person’s heart suddenly weakens in response to some sort of trauma, dangerously disrupting blood flow. Oftentimes, this trauma is physical—an injury or serious illness—but can also come in the form of emotional trauma, such as the loss of a loved one or a particularly emotionally charged argument.
The result is a combination of symptoms reminiscent of a heart attack—chest pain and shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, palpitations and fainting. In fact, many people go straight to the ER because they think they are having a heart attack.
This is not a bad idea.
Because while broken heart syndrome may not be a heart attack, the condition can be fatal, potentially leading to congestive heart failure, blood clots, dangerously low blood pressure, and more.
But that’s rare. So don’t be afraid to put your heart out there this weekend!
What does Takotsubo mean?
Broken heart syndrome is often called takotsubo syndrome or takotsubo cardiomyopathy because of the unique shape of the left ventricle in those affected by the condition, which is said to resemble a Japanese octopus trap. And “takotsubo” means “octopus trap” in Japanese.
But broken heart syndrome can affect all races and ethnicities.
Wait! What Causes Broken Heart Syndrome? Does It Go Away? It’s Fatal?!
To this day, physicians aren’t entirely sure what causes broken heart syndrome. The most likely suspect is a flood of adrenaline and other related stress hormones that temporarily overwhelm the heart, either by causing the arteries to constrict or by binding to the heart and pumping it full of calcium, throwing the heart off rhythm.
The good news is that the symptoms of broken heart syndrome are most often temporary, clearing up with some aspirin and ACE inhibitors, a beta blocker or two and some diuretics to avoid edema. And in the majority of cases, the experience leaves no lasting impacts or increased risk of it happening again. If the condition does return, it is called recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
However, in very rare cases, yes, broken heart syndrome can be fatal.
So probably buy the chocolate and the flowers.
How Do I Know If I’m At Risk? Can I Prevent Broken Heart Syndrome?
While broken heart syndrome is not yet entirely understood, experts have identified a few potential risk factors that everyone should be aware of. These include:
- Sex: Women are at higher risk than men
- Age: People age 50 years and up appear to be at higher risk
- Mental Health: Those with a history of depression, anxiety, and related conditions may have a higher risk
- Being A Bad Date: People who only talk about themselves and don’t tip have a higher chance of experiencing isolation, which increases risk
But there are some things everyone can do to reduce their risk of broken heart syndrome.
- Exercise: Not only good for your cardiovascular health, regular exercise can improve mood and reduce stress
- De-Stress: Yoga, meditation, a warm bath, writing in a journal—find your way to practice mindfulness and release the stress of the day
- Eat Right: The Mediterranean diet works wonders for heart health, which can do wonders for your mood
- Sleep Well: At least seven hours a night, if you can
- Connect With Your Community: Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, a support group, or the staff at your regular coffee shop, talking with and being with others, even if just on occasion, is essential to mental health
And as a bonus, all of these can help improve your general heart health and impact several aspects of personal wellness too.
Learn More:
About cardiovascular services at Sarasota Memorial.
About the award-winning Structural Heart Clinic at Sarasota Memorial.
About reversing heart disease with the Ornish Program at Sarasota Memorial.
About Sarasota Memorial’s recent recognition as the #1 hospital in the world for the Watchman cardiac implant.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY, and believes we are stronger at the broken places.