Broken Heart Syndrome 101: It Is Possible To Break Your Heart

You might have heard about some older couples who die days or even hours apart from each other, with many claiming it was due to a ‘broken heart’ of losing their best friend and spouse. But is it true? Despite the cliché and thought it is rare, yes it is possible for you to die of a broken heart due to the amount of stress and grief you might be experiencing. Whenever dealing with a particularly stressful situation, some of us may experience intense and sharp chest pains and believe we are suffering a heart attack, however, it may actually be broken heart syndrome.

What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?

Broken heart syndrome formally called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, but also referred to as apical ballooning syndrome or acute stress cardiomyopathy, is a temporary heart condition often caused by intense, stressful situations, such as the loss of a loved one, hence why many say they are suffering from a ‘broken heart.’ Patients who are dealing with broken heart syndrome may experience sudden chest pain and believe they are suffering a heart attack due to the severity of the pain.

This treatable condition is the result of a temporary disruption in the heart’s normal pumping function in one particular area, while the remainder of the heart either functions properly or with more forceful contractions. Some experts believe the condition can even be caused by the heart’s reaction to a surge of stress hormones. Thankfully, this condition is treatable and will usually reverse itself in a matter of days or weeks.

Signs & Symptoms

As horrifyingas it can be, broken heart syndrome can mimic numerous symptoms of a heart attack and cause a patient to believe they are experiencing cardiac arrest. Common symptoms of broken heart syndrome include intense chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, low blood pressure, nausea, and an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms typically start anywhere up to a few hours after an individual has experienced extreme stress or shock. Any long-lasting or persistent chest pain can be a sign of an impending heart attack, so it is essential individuals take it seriously and seek medical attention immediately.

How is broken heart syndrome different from a heart attack? Generally speaking, heart attacks are caused by the blockage of an artery within the heart, which is the result of a blood clot forming at the site of narrowing from the fatty buildup in the artery wall. However, with broken heart syndrome, the arteries are not blocked despite a reduction in the blood flow to the heart.