You can die of a broken heart. The condition is known as broken heart syndrome or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It’s named after a pot-like octopus trap used in Japan. In addition, it’s most frequently caused by severe emotional stress from traumatic events such as the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or losing a job. However, it can also be triggered by severe illness or surgery.
It is also more common in women aged 58 to 75. Several women of this age who experience heart attack symptoms are experiencing broken heart syndrome. The syndrome causes the left ventricle of the heart to become bigger. As a result, the heart develops a narrow neck and a rounder bottom like a pot, weakening the heart.
How do doctors identify broken heart syndrome?
The syndrome is diagnosed using an ECG, an electric examination of the heart’s actions. Broken heart syndrome is also diagnosable through blood tests. There are enzymes, such as myoglobin, that can show damage to the heart muscle. They can also be used to check the amount of damage from a heart attack. Doctors can also perform an ultrasound of the heart.
Symptoms of broken heart syndrome
Broken heart syndrome can happen because of the following reasons:
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Surgery
- Assault
- An asthma attack
- An accident
- Sudden loss
- Intense fear
- A surprise
- Loneliness
Read Also: Different Types Of Heart Disease And Managing Them
If you have any of these experiences then get the following symptoms, you should get medical attention:
- Palpitations
- Being unable to breathe
How is it treated?
Once your doctor confirms you’re not having a heart attack, they may prescribe diuretics or water pills. They help reduce the salt and water content in your body. This reduces the amount of water in your blood vessels.
Read also: Symptoms Of A Heart Attack In Men Vs Women
Patients also take blood pressure medication known as beta-blockers, lowering high blood pressure. You will also get blood thinners if you’re at risk of blood clots.
How can you reduce the risk?
The heart usually heals fully within two months. Death from broken heart syndrome is very rare. However, you can reduce the risk of a more severe situation.
You can try the following activities:
Keep your brain active
Constantly engaging your brain reduces the risk of mortality. Doing puzzles, playing games, reading, watching movies, and engaging in any activity that keeps you thinking helps keep you going.
Read Also: 7 Daily Practices That Boost Brain Health
Socialise
Studies show that isolating yourself and staying away from people can affect your heart health. Furthermore, lifestyle changes such as smaller families, high separation rates, people moving away for work, and ageing affects mental and physical health. It also increases the risk of mortality among older women.
Additional research shows that older people with no emotional support develop a higher risk of heart attacks after recovering from a heart issue.
Being socially connected makes you more likely to care about your physical and mental health. Frequent socialisation also reduces stress and reduces inflammation.
Read Also: 6 Ways To Maintain An Active Social Life While Working From Home
Physical exercise
Having a physical exercise routine is highly beneficial. Exercise helps reduce the risk of diabetes, reduces inflammation, and keeps your heart healthy.
Studies show that exercise increases good cholesterol levels, reduces stress hormones that can burden the heart, and improves the vessels’ ability to deliver oxygen to muscles. This lessens the strain on the heart. Therefore, you can prevent instances of broken heart syndrome by having a regular exercise routine.
Read Also: What Types Of Exercises Are Right For You?
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She Broke His Heart And It Would Not Heal. Where Do Broken Hearts Go?
