Brilio.net - Broken heart syndrome, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a condition that attacks the heart. Quoting from heatlh.harvard.edu, broken heart syndrome was first described in 1990 in Japan. This condition is usually caused by severe emotional or physical stress, such as a sudden illness, loss of a loved one , a serious accident, or a natural disaster such as an earthquake. That's why this condition is also called stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome.
Quoting from psychcentral.com, a study published in October 2021 found that 88.3 percent of 135,463 cases of "broken heart syndrome" were experienced by women. Women who experience broken heart syndrome are predominantly middle-aged and older.
The results of this research show that older women are 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with broken heart syndrome than young women and men. The reason why middle-aged women are more likely to suffer from broken heart syndrome is not known for certain. However, one expert stated that broken heart syndrome is more common in women due to emotional stress.
External stress also causes the risk of broken heart syndrome for women. Not only that, the condition of the heart which is getting weaker and with increasing age is a factor in the increase in stress that occurs in women.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that broken heart syndrome needs special attention for women. Therefore, it is important to know more about the symptoms and how to treat cases of broken heart syndrome.
Summarized by brilio.net from various sources, Friday (14/6), below is complete information on the symptoms of broken heart syndrome and how to treat it.
Symptoms of broken heart syndrome
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Broken heart syndrome is not fatal in humans. However, survivors of broken heart syndrome say this phase is a frightening experience and affects their quality of life. The symptoms that can result from broken heart syndrome are as follows:
- Sudden and severe chest pain.
- Hard to breathe.
- Weakening of the left ventricle of the heart.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Low blood pressure.
- Heart palpitations.
- Faint.
Apart from that, the causes of broken heart syndrome can also be identified as follows:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Serious illness, surgery, or medical procedure (e.g. cardiac).
- Severe pain.
- Asthma attacks.
- Receiving bad news (such as a cancer diagnosis).
- Unexpected accident, loss, illness or injury to a close relative, friend or pet.
- Fierce arguments.
- Financial losses.
- Intense fear.
- Public speaking.
- Another sudden surprise.
How to treat broken heart syndrome.
photo: freepik.com
Treatment of broken heart syndrome involves a combination of medical care and psychosocial support to help the patient's physical and emotional recovery. Although this condition is not life-threatening, the symptoms are often similar to those of a heart attack, so prompt treatment is essential.
With a comprehensive approach, including adequate medical care and good emotional support, patients can overcome broken heart syndrome and restore their health. The drugs usually given for broken heart syndrome are as follows:
- Aspirin to improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
- ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) to lower blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers to slow the heart rate.
- Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup.
Additionally, broken heart syndrome has several variants. Reporting from clevelandclinic.org, the types of broken heart syndrome are as follows:
- Apical is the most common type, accounting for more than 80 percent of cases. Apical affects the lower part of the heart.
- Middle ventricle is the type that affects the middle of the lower chamber of the heart (ventricle). The affected area will appear like a ring around the heart. However, the heart areas above and below still function normally.
- Basal is similar to the middle ventricle, but the affected area can look like a ring. The only area that still functions normally is the bottom. This type only occurs in around 2 percent.
- Focal is the rarest type and only occurs in around 1 percent. The affected area will form a bulge that protrudes from the heart.
Broken heart syndrome can also cause complications. The complications are as follows:
- Pulmonary edema.
- Rupture of the left ventricle of the heart.
- Blockage of blood flow from the left ventricle.
- Heart failure.
- Blood clot in the wall of the left ventricle.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Abnormal heart rhythm.
- Heart attack.