Exercise and Counseling Proven to Heal 'Broken Heart Syndrome'

According to a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid, scientists may have discovered the first effective treatments for 'broken heart syndrome'. The condition, officially known as Takotsubo syndrome, causes the heart muscle to change shape and suddenly weaken, often in response to the death of a close loved one.

Around 5,000 Brits are diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome every year, and they have twice the risk of death compared to the general population. In the world-first trial, researchers enrolled 76 patients with the syndrome and randomly assigned them to receive either a 12-week exercise program, 12 one-on-one counseling sessions, or standard care.

The results showed that both the exercise and counseling groups saw significant improvements in heart function and fitness levels, unlike the standard care group. Patients who participated in the exercise program were able to walk an average of 528 meters in six minutes by the end of the study, up from 457 meters at the start. The counseling group also saw their average distance increase from 402 meters to 458 meters.

Researchers say these new treatments could be offered on the NHS to help patients with Takotsubo syndrome recover and reduce their risk of long-term heart health issues, which are similar to those who have survived a heart attack. The study's author, Dr. David Gamble of the University of Aberdeen, emphasized the importance of the "brain-heart axis" and how cognitive behavioral therapy or exercise could aid in the road to recovery for these patients.