Broken heart syndrome

Broken heart syndrome

overview

Broken heart syndrome is a temporary heart condition often caused by stressful situations and extreme emotions. The condition can also be triggered by a serious physical illness or surgery.

People with broken heart syndrome may suddenly have chest pains or think they are having a heart attack. Broken heart syndrome affects only part of the heart and temporarily disrupts the heart's normal pumping function. The rest of the heart continues to work properly or may even contract more strongly.

The symptoms of broken heart syndrome are treatable. Broken heart syndrome usually resolves within days or weeks.

Broken heart syndrome can also be called:

• Stresskardiomyopathie
• Takotsubo-Kardiomyopathie
• Apikales Ballooning-Syndrom

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of broken heart syndrome can resemble a heart attack and include:

• Brustschmerzen
• Kurzatmigkeit

Any long-lasting or persistent chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack, so it's important to take it seriously and call 911 or emergency services if you have chest pain.

When to go to the doctor?

If you have chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath after a stressful event, call 911 or emergency medical services immediately.

Causes

The exact cause of broken heart syndrome is unclear. It is thought that a surge in stress hormones such as adrenaline could temporarily damage some people's hearts. How these hormones might be damaging the heart, or whether something else is responsible, isn't entirely clear.

Temporary bruising (narrowing) of the heart's large or small arteries may play a role. People with broken heart syndrome may also experience a change in the structure of the heart muscle.

Broken heart syndrome is often preceded by an intense physical or emotional event. For example, an acute illness (such as an asthma attack or a COVID-19 infection), major surgery, or a broken bone can lead to broken heart syndrome. Anything that causes a strong emotional reaction, such as a death or other loss, or a strong argument can trigger this condition.

In rare cases, taking certain medications can cause broken heart syndrome, including:

• Notfallmedikamente zur Behandlung schwerer allergischer Reaktionen oder schwerer Asthmaanfälle
• Einige Medikamente zur Behandlung von Angstzuständen
• Nasal abschwellende Mittel
• Illegale Stimulanzien wie Methamphetamin und Kokain

Always tell your doctor about the medications you take, including those purchased without a prescription. When starting a new medication, talk to your provider about the possible risks and side effects.

How is broken heart syndrome different from a heart attack?

Heart attacks are generally caused by a complete or near-complete blockage of an artery in the heart. In broken heart syndrome, the heart arteries are not blocked, although blood flow in the heart arteries may be reduced.

Risk factors

Known risk factors for broken heart syndrome include:

• Sex. Das Broken-Heart-Syndrom tritt häufiger bei Frauen als bei Männern auf.
• Das Alter. Es scheint, dass die meisten Menschen mit Broken-Heart-Syndrom älter als 50 Jahre sind.
• Eine frühere oder aktuelle psychische Störung. Menschen mit Angstzuständen oder Depressionen können ein höheres Risiko für das Syndrom des gebrochenen Herzens haben.

Complications

Rarely, broken heart syndrome can lead to death. However, most people with broken heart syndrome recover quickly and do not experience long-lasting effects.

Other possible complications of broken heart syndrome include:

• Flüssigkeitsstau in der Lunge (Lungenödem)
• Niedriger Blutdruck (Hypotonie)
• Unregelmäßige Herzschläge (Arrhythmien)
• Herzfehler
• Aufgrund des geschwächten Herzmuskels bilden sich Blutgerinnsel im Herzen

Broken heart syndrome can recur after another stressful event. However, the likelihood of this happening is slim.

prevention

To prevent another episode of broken heart syndrome, many health care providers recommend long-term treatment with beta-blockers or similar medications that block the potentially harmful effects of stress hormones on the heart.

Some people with chronic stress may be at increased risk of broken heart syndrome. Taking steps to manage emotional stress can improve heart health and prevent broken heart syndrome.

Sources:

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