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.
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