Skip to main content

Symptoms And Causes Of Broken Heart Syndrome

Broken heart syndrome is often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions, and can also be triggered by a serious physical illness or surgery. This temporary heart condition affects just part of the heart, temporarily disrupting the ticker’s normal pumping action and the rest of the heart continues to function normally. The good thing is that the symptoms of broken heart syndrome are treatable, and the condition generally reverses itself in days or weeks.


Symptoms:
Chest pain and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Individuals with broken heart syndrome may think they are having a heart attack (myocardial infarction- MI), rightfully so since broken heart syndrome can mimic a heart attack. It is very important that you take any long-lasting or persistent chest pain seriously since it could be a sign of a heart attack, call 911 right away. Dial 911 or emergency medical services if you’re having any chest pain, a very rapid or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath after a stressful event.

Causes:
A surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, might temporarily damage the tickers of some individuals, although the exact cause of broken heart syndrome isn’t clear. Also, ways the hormones might hurt the ticker or whether something else is responsible isn’t completely clear. Additionally, individuals who’ve broken heart syndrome may also have a difference in the structure of the heart muscle. Some of the potential triggers include death of a loved one, loss of a lot of money, strong arguments, domestic abuse, divorce, public speaking, financial difficulty, a medical diagnosis (which might be life-threatening), physical stressors like asthma attack, a major surgery or a broken bone.
Drugs, such as Epinephrine (to treat a severe asthma attack), Duloxetine (medication to treat nerve problems), Venlafaxine (a treatment for depression), Levothyroxine, and unprescribed or illegal stimulants such as cocaine- may also contribute to broken heart syndrome.

The difference between heart attack and broken heart syndrome lies in the fact that the former is caused by a complete or near complete blockage of a heart artery, which is due to formation of a blood clot at the site of narrowing from fatty buildup in the wall of the artery, whereas the heart arteries aren’t blocked in broken heart syndrome though blood flow in the arteries may be reduced.

Risk Factors:
Number of known risk factors for broken heart syndrome includes age (it appears that most individuals who have broken heart syndrome are older than 50), a history of a neurological condition, such as a head injury or a seizure disorder, a previous or current psychiatric disorder like depression or anxiety.

Complications:
In rare cases, broken heart syndrome is life-threatening. It’s very rare though since most people who experience broken heart syndrome quickly recover. Other complications include heart failure, low blood pressure, disruptions in your heartbeat, pulmonary edema (backup of fluid into your lungs).
Although most people won’t experience a second event, many healthcare providers puts a patient on long-term treatment with beta blockers or similar medications that block the potentially damaging effects of stress hormones on the ticker.

To sign up for a CPR course, contact CPR Kansas City on 913-998-7499.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Facts about Sudden Cardiac Death and Athletes and CPR Overland Park Kansas Classes

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by a change in heart rhythm (sudden cardiac arrest). It is the largest cause of natural death in the U.S. SCD is also responsible for half of all heart disease deaths. The best way to deal with cardiac emergencies is by going for CPR Overland Park Kansas classes. In the classes, students are imparted training in the life-saving resuscitation procedures comprising of chest compressions and rescue breaths and proper application of the techniques can revive the life of a victim in the middle of a cardiac emergency. Always sign up for the CPR classes at certified training sites such as the AHA accredited CPR Kansas City which comprises of some of the most experienced instructors who imparts training through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are courses for both healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers so go through the course curriculum prior to enrolling for a program. At the end...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Risks of Incorrect Compression Depth in CPR

  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest. The effectiveness of CPR is directly tied to proper technique, including the correct compression depth. When chest compressions are too shallow or too deep, they can reduce the chances of survival and cause complications. Understanding the risks of incorrect compression depth in CPR is crucial for healthcare providers and lay rescuers alike. Understanding CPR Compression Depth Proper CPR technique requires compressions at a depth of 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm) for adults, as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). This depth ensures adequate circulation of oxygenated blood to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. Any deviation from this range can have serious consequences. Consequences of Shallow Compressions Shallow compressions fail to generate sufficient blood flow, limiting oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs. This can result in: Reduced ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Essential Skills for Airway Management: A Guide for Healthcare Providers

  What is Airway Management? Airway management is the process of ensuring that a patient has a clear and open airway to breathe properly. It's a critical skill in emergency medicine, anesthesia, critical care, and trauma settings. Without proper airway management, oxygen cannot reach the lungs and brain, which can lead to severe complications or death. Every second counts, and that's why healthcare providers must be skilled, confident, and prepared. Skills of Airway Management Proficient airway management requires a combination of technical and cognitive skills. These include: Airway Assessment : Quickly determining whether a patient can maintain their airway or needs assistance. Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift and Jaw-Thrust Maneuvers : Basic yet essential techniques to open the airway . Use of Airway Adjuncts : Inserting oropharyngeal (OPA) and nasopharyngeal (NPA) airways to keep the airway open. Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation : Providing artificial ventilation manually . Supraglottic...
Post a Comment
Read more