Can love break your heart? The curious syndrome of the broken heart
I'm sure you've heard the phrase "I've been heartbroken". Although we tend to use it figuratively to describe a love break-up or a great sadness... The truth is that the heart can also break for real. Literally.
At INSCOR we want to tell you about a curious medical condition known as ruptured heart syndrome or Takotsubo syndrome. Its name comes from a Japanese octopus trap (takotsubo) because, interestingly, the heart takes on this characteristic shape when it is affected.
What is broken heart syndrome?
It is a temporary dysfunction of the heart that is usually triggered by an intense emotion: a loss, a separation, a very strong argument or even an overwhelming joy such as winning the lottery. The body reacts with a rush of adrenaline that directly affects the functioning of the heart.
The symptoms are very similar to those of a heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Fainting in some cases
- Electrocardiogram changes and elevated levels of troponins (a protein in the heart)
This can lead to confusion in the initial diagnosis, as clinically it looks very much like a real heart attack.
So what makes it different from a heart attack?
The big difference is that in Takotsubo syndrome, there is no blockage in the coronary arteries. Instead, there is a disturbance in the contraction of the heart muscle, especially the left ventricle, which causes the unusual shape.
Although it is usually reversible and most patients recover within a few weeks, it should not be underestimated: it can lead to heart failure, severe arrhythmias and even death in extreme cases.
How is it treated?
Treatment is very similar to that of transient heart failure:
- Medication to stabilise the heart
- Stress reduction
- Cardiac follow-up to rule out complications
Can emotions affect heart health?
Absolutely yes. Intense emotions, both negative and positive, can have a direct impact on our cardiovascular system. That is why it is essential to take care of our emotional health as much as our diet, exercise and rest.
If you ever suffer great emotional stress and feel chest pain, don't ignore it. Consult a specialist. At INSCOR we are here to help you even in those moments when your heart needs to be heard.
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