Overview

What is broken heart syndrome?

Broken heart syndrome, also referred to as stress cardiomyopathy, is a temporary heart condition caused by intense emotional distress or an excess of stress hormones. It mimics a heart attack, with acute chest pain and shortness of breath. The heart muscle can recover well in time and under proper medical attention, despite being weakened. This condition is more prevalent in women and can happen after a very stressful event, such as the breakdown of a relationship, the loss of a beloved person, or even something positive, such as a lottery win.

What are the symptoms of broken heart syndrome?

Broken heart syndrome is also known as stress cardiomyopathy. Sometimes, it can be a terrifying experience because their symptoms may mimic a heart attack. Their symptoms are listed below-

Sudden and intense chest pain: This is primarily the most active symptom and feels crushing or squeezing.
Shortness of breath: At rest, this gives the feeling of being unable to breathe.
Other possible symptoms: These include sweating, nausea, and dizziness are possible.

What causes broken heart syndrome?

To date, the cause of broken heart syndrome is not precisely known, but it has been related to an increase in stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. One dose of such hormones can temporarily weaken the heart muscle and cripple its pumping function. Some of them include:

Emotional stress: This is due to such incidents as a break-up, grief, or severe illness.
Physical stress: Advanced physical illness, surgery, and even dreadful pain can cause this condition.
Mental health disorders: Anxiety and depression are liable to rise with a risk of broken heart syndrome.

What are the diagnoses and tests for broken heart syndrome?

Because of its symptoms, which can mimic a heart attack, you will undergo initial examinations to exclude a blockage in your coronary arteries (the primary vessels carrying blood to your heart). Your doctors will consider the following:

Medical history: They will ask about recent stressful events or previous illnesses.
Physical exam: If you have any abnormal findings in your heartbeat with a stethoscope, it may provide clues.

Tests:

Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a pain-free test that demonstrates the electrical activity in the heart. A blockage could be not displayed, but abnormal ECG patterns may indicate whether you're having a heart attack and if you are having a heart attack.
Blood tests: They check for an enzyme released by damaged heart muscle. The enzyme can be elevated in both heart attacks and broken heart syndrome. However, other markers also help distinguish.
Echocardiogram (echo): It is a painless ultrasound, and this gives an idea of the heart structure and its pumping function. In broken heart syndrome, specific weakness usually occurs in the smaller part of the left ventricle, which is located on the left side of the heart. This would help diagnose myocardial failure and assess its intensity.
Coronary Angiogram (not often): In this X-ray test, the Contrast agent is introduced through an injection within the coronary arteries to visualize the blockage. It is not always necessary, but can be useful if other tests are inconclusive.

What is the treatment of broken heart syndrome?

There is no specific treatment for broken heart syndrome. It's the same as for a heart attack care until the diagnosis is confirmed. Most of the patients remain in the hospital during recovery.

Most patients with broken heart syndrome recover fully within a month. This time, an echocardiogram is performed 4 to 6 weeks after the first symptom to see if the heart works effectively.

Medications-

Once you prove that your condition comes from broken heart syndrome, then you may receive drugs to help ease the tension in your heart. Drugs also aid in protecting you from breaking out again due to this syndrome.

Some of the drugs used are:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (also known as ACE inhibitors).
Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers, also known as ARBs.
Beta blockers.
Diuretics, also known as water tablets.
Blood thinners if you have a blood clot.

Surgery or other procedures-

Surgery and procedures are common treatments for a heart attack, but they will not work if you have broken heart syndrome. Such treatments will clear your arteries. Blocked arteries do not cause broken heart syndrome.

Living with

When to see a doctor?

If symptoms change, especially how much they affect your daily life, contact your doctor. Otherwise, your doctor may wish to see you again if needed.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Broken Heart Syndrome?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Broken Heart Syndrome.