Love Hurts: Yes, Broken Heart Syndrome is a Real Medical Condition That Affects the Heart in a Physical Way!

The correct medical term for ‘broken heart syndrome’ is takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-

induced cardiomyopathy. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), broken heart

syndrome can occur when there is extreme stress and trauma, such as in the loss of a loved one to

death or a breakup, or during and after natural or man-made disasters and war.

Japanese physician Hikaru Sato first described broken heart syndrome in 1991 as a “temporary

condition that resembles a heart attack but rarely leads to death.” According to Harvard Medical

School, more than 90 percent of reported cases occur in middle aged women and the most

common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating and

fainting.

The physical manifestations of this syndrome are that the left heart ventricle is found to be

enlarged and difficult to pump blood. Scientist point to an increase in stress hormones during

these traumatic events that can temporarily weaken the heart.

The good news is that a broken heart can indeed be mended. If your condition is determined to

be broken heart syndrome after proper diagnostic testing, medications to strengthen the heart

muscle can reverse this condition, along with any lifestyle change that would promote a happier,

healthier, stress-free life.

If you do believe that you or a loved one are indeed having a heart attack do not hesitate to call 911 for

emergency care. Once it has been determined that your condition is not life-threatening, follow up with

your healthcare professional as directed. To schedule an appointment at any of our convenient Primary

Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call

(305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.

Source: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy-in-adults/is-broken-heart-syndrome-real

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