Broken heart syndrome
Broken heart syndrome is a temporary condition of the heart that is often caused by stress: for example, the death of a loved one People with broken heart syndrome may develop sudden chest pains or think they are having a heart attack. In patients with broken heart syndrome, the heart's normal pumping function is temporarily impaired, although the rest of the heart functions normally, sometimes even enhanced.
Broken heart syndrome can be a reaction to excess production of stress hormones in the body This condition is sometimes called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, or stress cardiomyopathy. Symptoms of broken heart syndrome can be treated
The condition usually improves after about a week
The exact causes of broken heart syndrome are unknown Some stress hormones, such as adrenaline, are thought to temporarily cause heart damage in some people. The mechanism of action of hormones to damage the heart is unknown Temporary narrowing of large and small arteries may be one of the reasons for the development of the syndrome
The development of broken heart syndrome is preceded by a strong physical and emotional event Some possible triggers for broken heart syndrome:
- Sudden death of a loved one
- Surprising medical diagnosis
- Domestic violence
- Loss of a large amount of money
- Natural events
- Unexpected party
- In public Drugs associated with broken heart syndrome:
- Epinephrine, used to relieve severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta), a drug used to treat nerve problems such as depression in people with diabetes
- The depression drug Venlafaxine
- Levothyroxine, a drug used in patients whose thyroid gland does not function normally
How is broken heart syndrome different from a heart attack?
A heart attack basically The blockage is caused by a blood clot formed from fatty tissue in the artery wall (atherosclerosis). This process causes the artery to narrow In broken heart syndrome, the arteries of the heart are not blocked, but the blood flow in these vessels is still reduced.
The symptoms of broken heart syndrome are similar to those of a heart attack Common symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Long, persistent chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, so it is necessary to adequately assess the condition and, if necessary, seek emergency medical help
When to consult a doctor
Stressful
