When Heart Reaches A Breaking Point: The Sudden Strike of Broken Heart Syndrome

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When a guy tells a girl, "I have given my heart to you", you know where he is getting at as heart is the popular symbol of love. Heart is undoubtedly the most vital organ in our body that has immense biological and emotional significance. Not getting to the biological part of it, let's focus more on the emotional side.

Rightly called the 'Engine of Life', this engine has to keep running to sustain our life. Once it stops, well then it's the end. There are times when this engine feels worn out due to factors like work pressure, stress, tension, depression and the like. That's when it pumps hard, really hard and it can take no more so much that it explodes leading to a heart attack. The worst part is that this condition isn't limited to the aged but youngsters as well.

On World Heart Day that falls on the 29th of September this year let's shed light on no, not heart attack but a condition called 'Broken Heart Syndrome'. And mind you, this is not related to the heartbroken ones in a relationship but something similar to a heart attack.

What is Broken Heart Syndrome? - According to an article by Cleveland Clinic, Broken heart syndrome is a temporary condition in which certain parts of the heart muscle weaken quickly, often triggered by sudden emotional or physical stress. When a portion of the heart struggles to function properly, other areas may have to compensate by working harder.

This weakened muscle can hinder the heart's ability to circulate blood effectively, impacting overall bodily function. Since every cell relies on a continuous supply of oxygen delivered by the blood, inadequate heart performance can negatively affect the entire body.

How Serious Is the Condition? - Patients experiencing broken heart syndrome may report sensations of chest pain or tightness, and some might struggle with shortness of breath. Often, they believe they are having a heart attack, but evaluations reveal no blockages in the coronary arteries.

Many patients may show signs of weakened heart function and changes in their ECG (Electrocardiogram) but these conditions usually improve over time. Research indicates that fatal outcomes from broken heart syndrome are quite rare. While the experience can scare the affected person and his/her family, but most people recover from the condition without any lasting harm.

What are the Symptoms? - As per Harvard Health Publishing, broken heart syndrome has the typical symptoms of a heart attack such as intense pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest that result from a blockage in a coronary artery restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. However, broken heart syndrome can mimic these sudden heart symptoms even when the coronary arteries are unobstructed. Patients with this syndrome may also experience weakening of the left ventricle, hypotension, palpitations often accompanied by shortness of breath, sudden fatigue, cold sweats, or feelings of lightheadedness.

What are the Causes? - According to UT Southwestern Medical Center, the causes of broken heart syndrome is still a mystery but it is often triggered by significant mental or physical stress, such as the death of a loved one or anxiety about an upcoming surgery. Risk factors include anxiety, diabetes, substance abuse, and respiratory conditions, with a notable prevalence among older women, possibly linked to oestrogen levels.

Recent observations indicate that some patients, particularly those with COVID-19, and who had reactions to COVID-19 vaccine suffered broken heart syndrome, even those who were undergoing emotional stress during the pandemic. While the exact frequency is unclear, broken heart syndrome likely affects 1% to 2% of individuals with symptoms similar to heart blockage, such as chest pain and shortness of breath.

Broken heart syndrome was initially identified in Japan in 1990, also known as takotsubo syndrome or stress cardiomyopathy. It lacks a specific treatment and is controlled based on symptom severity and conditions like low blood pressure or fluid in the lungs. Common medications include beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics, with aspirin for those with atherosclerosis. Although long-term treatment evidence is sparse, beta blockers may be used indefinitely to minimize stress hormone effects and prevent recurrence.

All in all, the perfect remedy for this condition is to take a chill pill and de-stress. Like Aamir Khan says in 3 Idiots, simply tap your heart and say, "All is well".

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.