Understanding Broken Heart Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
What is Broken Heart Syndrome? Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a condition in which severe emotional stress leads to sudden weakness of the heart muscle. It is named after the Japanese word for "octopus trap" because of its distinctive heart shape on imaging. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy causes the left ventricle of the heart to balloon and impairs its function. What Causes Broken Heart Syndrome? Broken Heart Syndrome can be triggered by intense emotional trauma, including: Loss of a loved one Job loss or academic failure Severe pain or domestic violence Serious illness or medical procedures Asthma attacks Unexpected financial loss or accidents Sudden good news, such as winning a lottery or receiving a promotion These stressful events cause a surge in stress hormones like epinephrine and dopamine, leading to an overworked and enlarged heart. Signs and Symptoms of Broken Heart Syndro...