12 Feb Yes, You Can Die of A Broken Heart
Have you ever heard someone say they’re so sad it feels like their heart is breaking? It might sound like just a saying, but there’s a real condition called Broken Heart Syndrome that can actually cause serious problems or even death. Let’s dive into what this syndrome is, why it happens, and who is at risk.
What is Broken Heart Syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, is when strong emotions, such as grief or stress, cause the heart to stop working correctly. This is a rare condition. It happens in about 2 out of every 10,000 hospital visits in the United States and makes up 2% of heart problems that seem like heart attacks. The name comes from a Japanese term that means “octopus trap.”
Why Does It Happen?
Imagine your heart is like a sponge that soaks up all your emotions. When something extremely stressful or sad happens, like losing someone you love, your body floods with stress hormones. The most prominent of these is adrenaline. For some reason, in some people, their heart is overwhelmed by the flood of adrenaline. This causes the left ventricle of the heart to swell, resembling the shape of a Japanese octopus trap (hence the name). The odd shape of the ventricle causes the heart to pump improperly, resulting in all sorts of problems in the body.
How Does It Show Up?
The tricky part is that broken Heart Syndrome often feels just like a heart attack. People might experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. But unlike a heart attack, there’s no blockage in the heart’s arteries. Doctors use special heart tests like EKGs and echocardiograms to figure out what’s going on.
Who Is at Risk?
Broken heart syndrome is more common in women, especially those who are past menopause. Women make up 90% of cases, according to some reports. But that doesn’t mean younger people or men are totally safe from it. Big emotional shocks are the usual culprits, but even happy surprises can cause it (imagine being so happy it hurts!).
How Is It Treated?
The good news about Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is that it’s highly curable. Most people with it start to feel better within weeks, and their heart goes back to normal. The most important part is that people recognize the problem and seek treatment immediately. Treatment is mostly about helping the symptoms and might include medicines that help the heart and manage stress. It’s also super important for people with this syndrome to find good ways to handle stress, like talking to friends, exercising, or doing things they enjoy.
Wrapping Up
Broken Heart Syndrome shows us how strongly our emotions connect to our physical health. It’s a reminder that taking care of our emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of our bodies. If you or someone you know is going through a really tough time, it’s okay to ask for help, whether it’s talking to a trusted adult, a counselor, or a doctor. Remember, both your heart and your feelings deserve care and attention.