Sad condition that people commonly mistake for heart attack
The condition is triggered by emotional or physical stress, such as grief or other major life events
According to the British Heart Foundation, in the UK there are around 100,000 hospital admissions each year due to heart attacks, which equates to one every five minutes.
Many of us are aware of the main symptoms of a heart attack - including pain or discomfort in the chest; pain that radiates and feeling sick or sweaty - but there's another condition that's much lesser-known.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is triggered by emotional or physical stress, such as grief or other major life events. It's also known as 'broken heart syndrome' and is thought to be a temporary condition.
The BHF explains: "The condition is usually temporary and happens to some people when their body is coping with overwhelming physical or emotional stress.
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"Many know it as broken heart syndrome because of its connection to grief. The condition can last a few days or weeks. With medicine, most people completely recover."
What is broken heart syndrome?
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart's left ventricle weakens, changes shape and increases in size.
This causes its pumping ability to lose some strength, meaning it works less efficiently and symptoms can arise.
It's not currently clear exactly what causes the changes, however, surging stress hormones are believed to trigger changes within the heart and blood vessels.
What are the symptoms of broken heart syndrome?
Many people say the feeling of broken heart syndrome can be similar to a heart attack.
As per BHF, symptoms include:
- sudden, intense chest pain
- pressure or heaviness on the chest
- shortness of breath
You may also experience palpitations, feeling faint or feeling or being sick. Although symptoms can be similar, it's important not to ignore any symptoms and to call 999 immediately if you think you could be having a heart attack.
Who is most at risk?
There are some people who are more at risk than others, including women, those aged over 50 and people with existing mental health conditions.
Broken heart syndrome is believed to impact 2,500 people in the UK every year. In fact, research indicates that five percent of women suspected of a heart attack could have the condition instead.
It is not believed to be genetic.
How is broken heart syndrome treated?
After being diagnosed via tests including bloods, an ECG, an echocardiogram (which is an ultrasound of the heart), a coronary angiogram or an MRI, broken heart syndrome may be diagnosed if doctors discover that the heart muscle is weakened, the left ventricle has changed shape and all other tests have ruled out that it could be a heart attack.
One blood test measures levels of troponin in the body, which can signal a heart muscle injury.
The condition may improve as the body begins to cope with increased levels of stress, however you may be prescribed medication to aid with this and manage symptoms.
Lucy Devine