Broken heart syndrome
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Broken heart syndrome is a heart condition that can occur due to intense emotions or stressful situations. It can also be triggered by severe physical illness or surgery. Typically, broken heart syndrome is temporary, but some individuals may experience lingering symptoms even after their heart has healed.
When someone has broken heart syndrome, they may experience sudden chest pain and mistakenly believe they are having a heart attack. The condition specifically affects a specific area of the heart and momentarily disrupts its blood-pumping function. However, the rest of the heart continues to operate normally. In some cases, the heart may contract with increased force during this time.
There are four types of broken heart syndrome:
- Apical: This is the most common type, primarily affecting the lower half of the heart.
- Mid-ventricular: This type targets the middle section of the ventricles, forming a belt or ring-like pattern around the heart. The areas above and below the affected region continue to function normally.
- Basal: Similar to mid-ventricular, the affected area appears as a ring or belt, but it is located higher up. Only the area below the belt functions normally.
- Focal: It involves a smaller area compared to the other types. The affected region forms a noticeable bulge that protrudes from the rest of the heart, while the opposite side curves inward toward the bulge.
Medications are prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of broken heart syndrome.
Symptoms
Broken heart syndrome can manifest with symptoms that resemble a heart attack. These symptoms may occur within minutes to hours after experiencing a stressful event. The surge of stress hormones temporarily affects the heart muscle, leading to the following signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias.
- Low blood pressure or hypotension.
- Heart palpitations.
- Fainting or syncope.
Persistent chest pain can potentially indicate a heart attack. If you experience new or unexplained chest pain, it is important to contact emergency services. Additionally, if you have a noticeably fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you are having difficulty breathing, it is advisable to seek immediate medical assistance.
Causes
The exact cause of broken heart syndrome is not fully understood by researchers. However, it is believed that a stressful event, such as a divorce, car accident, or job loss, may contribute to its occurrence. When you experience physical or emotional stress, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine into your bloodstream. These hormones are thought to temporarily interfere with the functioning of your heart. Interestingly, a small percentage of individuals with broken heart syndrome cannot pinpoint any specific stresses that may have triggered their episode.
The exact cause of broken heart syndrome is not fully understood by researchers. However, it is believed that a stressful event, such as a divorce, car accident, or job loss, may contribute to its occurrence. When you experience physical or emotional stress, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline, epinephrine, and norepinephrine into your bloodstream. These hormones are thought to temporarily interfere with the functioning of your heart. Interestingly, a small percentage of individuals with broken heart syndrome cannot pinpoint any specific stresses that may have triggered their episode.
Broken heart syndrome can occasionally be triggered by the use of specific drugs, which encompass:
- Emergency medications administered during the treatment of severe allergic reactions or intense asthma attacks.
- Certain anxiety medications employed in the management of anxiety disorders.
- Nasal decongestants utilized for relieving nasal congestion.
- Illegal stimulant drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine.
Risk factors
Several risk factors can contribute to getting a broken heart syndrome, such as:
- Sex: Women are more likely than men to suffer from broken heart syndrome, which make up 88% of the cases.
- Age: People over the age of 50 are more prone to a broken heart syndrome.
- Mental health issues: Individuals with a history of anxiety or depression may be more prone to developing broken heart syndrome.
- Neurologic disorder: People who had seizures or a stroke has a higher chance of having broken heart syndrome.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of broken heart syndrome involves reviewing an individual’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and discussing any significant stressors or potential triggers. It is important to note that prior to being diagnosed with broken heart syndrome, most people do not exhibit any signs of heart disease. Due to the similarity of symptoms to a heart attack, broken heart syndrome is often diagnosed in an emergency or hospital setting.
To confirm the diagnosis, several tests may be required such as:
- Blood tests: Individuals with broken heart syndrome often exhibit elevated levels of cardiac enzymes in their blood.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This swift test measures the heart’s electrical activity. Electrodes, attached to the chest and sometimes the arms and legs, collect data transmitted to a computer for analysis. ECG results for broken heart syndrome differ from those of a heart attack, providing a distinctive pattern.
- Coronary angiogram: Performed to rule out a heart attack, this examination assesses the presence of blockages in the heart’s arteries. By inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, healthcare providers guide it to the heart. A contrast dye is then injected, enabling clear X-ray imaging and video visualization of the arteries.
- Echocardiogram: Using sound waves, this test generates images of the heart in motion, enabling observation of blood flow and heart valve function. It can identify abnormalities such as an enlarged heart or unusual shape, indicating potential broken heart syndrome.
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This procedure employs magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the heart, providing additional information for diagnosis.
Treatment
Broken heart syndrome does not have a standardized treatment, and initial care typically follows heart attack protocols until a definite diagnosis is made. Hospitalization is common during the recovery process, and most individuals tend to recover fully within approximately a month. A follow-up echocardiogram is conducted around 4 to 6 weeks after the initial symptoms to ensure complete heart recovery.
After diagnosing broken heart syndrome as the underlying cause of the symptoms, medications are often prescribed to alleviate the strain on the heart and prevent future episodes.
These medications may include:
- Aspirin: Used to enhance circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots.
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs: These medications help lower blood pressure and combat inflammation in the body.
- Beta-blockers: Administered to slow down the heart rate.
- Diuretics: Prescribed to reduce fluid buildup in the body.
