What is Broken Heart Syndrome?

Broken Heart Syndrome, or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a stress-induced weakening of the heart muscle, primarily affecting the left ventricle, causing symptoms similar to a heart attack.

Who is most at risk for Broken Heart Syndrome?

Postmenopausal women are most affected, but men and individuals with anxiety or depression also face increased risk.

What are the symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome?

Symptoms include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, mirroring a heart attack, although coronary arteries remain normal.

Home / Health / Extreme Stress Can Mimic Heart Attack, Doctors Warn

Extreme Stress Can Mimic Heart Attack, Doctors Warn

11 Feb

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Summary

Extreme emotional stress can cause a real heart condition called Broken Heart Syndrome.
Symptoms mirror a heart attack, but arteries appear normal on medical tests.
Postmenopausal women are most affected, but men and those with anxiety are also at risk.

Extreme Stress Can Mimic Heart Attack, Doctors Warn

Extreme emotional or physical stress can lead to a sudden weakening of the heart muscle, a condition medically recognized as Broken Heart Syndrome or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This ailment presents symptoms virtually identical to a heart attack, including chest pain and breathlessness, yet crucially, angiography reveals normal coronary arteries. The heart's apex temporarily becomes weakened, impairing its pumping ability.

This condition arises from a surge of stress hormones like adrenaline, which can stun the heart muscle. While many recover, it poses serious risks if untreated. Postmenopausal women are the most affected demographic, though men and individuals with anxiety disorders are also susceptible. Men experiencing chest pain after stress should not dismiss it as mere anxiety.