Broken Heart Syndrome is a temporary heart issue caused or triggered by stressful or difficult events in one’s life. Even news that is good for the affected person’s ears can end up causing broken heart syndrome. As previously stated, the condition is transient and may only last a week or less. Stress cardiomyopathy is another name for this condition. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is the name given to the situation in Japan. Many believe that the state should not be mistaken for a heart attack. The primary distinction between broken heart syndrome and heart attack is that stressful life events cause BHS. In contrast, heart attack involves oxygen depletion in the heart due to blockage or other causes. Because it is frequently associated with a heart attack or myocardial infarction, the cure for both is similar in some respects.
According to findings, the condition is more common in women in their forties and fifties. Those aged 50 and up are the most common victims of heart conditions. Young women are less affected. This rare condition affects only about 1% to 2% of the population. If you experience broken heart syndrome symptoms, please consult the best cardiologist in Hyderabad.
Broken Heart Syndrome Symptoms
Broken heart syndrome would not save some signs and symptoms because most patients are asymptomatic. Below are the most common warning signs and symptoms of broken heart syndrome:
- Chest ache
- Breathing difficulty
- Increased and erratic heartbeat
- The malaise of the body
If the symptoms persist, one should consult a doctor because they may indicate a more serious cardiac problem than broken heart syndrome. This condition has also been linked to complications. Arrhythmias can occur. There is also a chance that the individual will develop pulmonary edema or fluid accumulation in the lungs. Broken heart syndrome can reoccur, primarily if another stressful event occurs.
Broken Heart Syndrome Causes
The actual mechanism and cause of broken heart syndrome are still unknown, with no definitive answers. Despite its obscurity, the condition is caused by hormonal fluctuations or stress hormone levels such as adrenaline rush. It has been reported that stress is the cause of approximately 85% of all cases of broken heart syndrome. Grief, anger, fear, conflicts, and personal problems are all examples of stressors. Constriction is a common complication of increased epinephrine, as is an increase in heart rate to compensate. This can harm a person’s heart or lead to a cardiac condition.
Furthermore, the following elements should be acknowledged as engendering aspects of broken heart syndrome:
- A loved one’s death
- Unfortunate news
- Domestic abuse
- Bankruptcy
- A mishap or a chain of tragic events
- Asthma flare-ups
Women, particularly those over 50, are in danger of this condition.
Broken Heart Syndrome Diagnosis
The following tests can be used to diagnose the condition:
1. Physical Examination or Evaluation
This is standard procedure for treating any medical condition. As this is done, collecting pertinent data from the client’s medical history is critical. According to reports, those affected by broken heart syndrome either have no symptoms or are symptomatic.
2. Electrocardiogram
This test involves recording the client’s electrical impulses, which allows the cardiac rhythm and frequency to be determined. In addition, electrical signals are recorded to aid in determining the patient’s cardiac status.
3. Echocardiogram
This is a cardiac ultrasound. This would entail a heart imaging test, which would aid in diagnosing any heart condition.
4. X-ray of the Chest
The test involves using radiographic rays to determine the shape of the heart. The x-ray can determine whether the heart is enlarged.
5. Chemistry of the Blood
This would result in specific levels of cardiac enzymes in the blood. As soon as this is accomplished, assistance with the final diagnosis of the problem will be obtained.
Broken Heart Syndrome Treatment
The broken heart syndrome treatment plan aims to alleviate the symptoms. Since it is caused by life events such as this, there has been no standard treatment for broken heart syndrome. In that regard, the treatment for broken heart syndrome is like that given to people who have recently had a heart attack. Here is how to treat broken heart syndrome:
Broken Heart Syndrome Prevention
Because there is a chance that it will happen again, approximately 5% of all cases of broken heart syndrome have formed the condition a second or third time. The condition’s treatment course focuses on treatments such as relaxation techniques and long-term drug treatment. A stress-free lifestyle can also help to prevent broken heart syndrome. A healthy lifestyle can help you avoid or overcome such conditions. Maintaining a nutritious diet is essential because it can also cause individuals to suffer from cardiac problems. The state poses a risk and should not be taken lightly, as most people do. Seeking health advice is critical because it can help the person in an emergency.
Final Words
When discussing their emotions, it is common for individuals to refer to a “heartache” or a “broken heart.” Although it is used metaphorically, broken heart syndrome is real! Indeed, it has been a misdiagnosed condition for many years. Broken heart syndrome is not limited to sudden emotional stress; it can also be caused by sudden physical stress.
The great news is that once diagnosed; it is only a temporary situation that does not cause permanent heart damage. However, because its symptoms are like a heart attack, you should never attempt to self-diagnose and convince yourself that you suffer from broken heart syndrome. Always seek medical attention from the heart specialist hospital in Hyderabad in an emergency. Only tests can determine whether your heart symptoms are due to a heart attack, broken heart syndrome, or another health issue. Visit the best hospital in Hyderabad if you experience any symptoms of broken heart syndrome.
FAQ’S
Is broken heart syndrome caused by day-to-day stress in everyday life?
Certainly not. Remember that broken heart syndrome symptoms are caused by a sudden or highly stressful event. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience chronic chest pain or shortness of breath when under mild stress (for example, at work). Continuous symptoms are not usually indicative of broken heart syndrome. Your health professional can assist you in determining the best method for dealing with stress, diagnose and treat medication if nervousness is a problem, or take blood if you suspect an untreated health problem.
Can a broken heart syndrome kill me?
Although death has occurred, it is very uncommon (approximately 1%), and it is quite improbable that you will pass away from broken heart syndrome. Broken heart syndrome often lasts for a brief time and resolves completely.
Who are the victims of shattered heart syndrome?
About 88 percent of those with broken hearts are women, and this prevalence is highest in later middle age. According to one theory, the female hormone estrogen may shield the heart from any adverse consequences of hormones released in reaction to stress. However, women are vulnerable to the effects of abrupt stress since estrogen levels decrease with aging.
How widespread is shattered heart syndrome?
According to medical literature, roughly 2% of individuals examined for a heart attack had shattered heart syndrome. However, because the ailment is frequently misdiagnosed, it is believed that this statistic significantly understates the actual number of instances.
What can I anticipate if I have broken heart syndrome?
Most people experience broken heart syndrome only temporarily. As your heart is not permanently affected, you should restore it without any long-term heart conditions. Complete recovery occurs within a few days to a few weeks of your stressful event.
Of course, suppose you have an ongoing health problem – a physical stressor such as a stroke, asthma, or seizures – that has triggered your broken heart syndrome event. In this situation, please consult your doctor and further investigate or make changes to manage these health issues better.
In a few situations, your healthcare provider may recommend a follow-up echocardiogram four to six weeks after your event to ensure that there are no heart health issues and that your heart’s left ventricle has returned to normal.
Broken heart syndrome can be fatal on rare occasions. Please see the best cardiologist in Hyderabad if you sense any symptoms of broken heart syndrome.
