
Moreover, as previously mentioned, women, predominantly those of Asian and Caucasian descent who have completed menopause, are far more affected by this condition as opposed to their male counterparts. Age is a critical risk-factor of this condition, as those above the age of 50 have historically found themselves at a greater risk of developing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. There are numerous characteristics and elements of medical history that might put one individual at a greater risk for Heartbreak syndrome than others.

The exact cause of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has yet to have been concluded.

Stressors Linked With Heartbreak Syndrome But it is crucial to note that since Heartbreak syndrome does not lead to enduring or persistent heart health ramifications in most cases, any long-lasting chest pain may in fact be a sign of heart attack and should be taken seriously. However, the heart arteries of those who undergo Takotsubo cardiomyopathy remain unblocked, unlike those of heart attack patients. Moreover, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can potentially present irregularities akin to those that are prominent in patients who have faced a heart attack. Actually, research conducted over the course of the past several years indicates that about 5% of women who encounter Takotstubo cardiomyopathy believe that they are having a heart attack. The most prevalent symptoms of this condition are chest pain and shortness of breath, strongly mimicking those typically associated with a heart attack. It is critical to note that while the left ventricle is weakened during Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the remaining areas of the heart carry on - operating as they otherwise would, or even sustaining increasingly vigorous contractions. Characteristics of Takotsubo CardiomyopathyĪccording to Harvard Medical School, “Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber, usually as the result of severe emotional or physical stress, such as a sudden illness, the loss of a loved one, a serious accident, or a natural disaster such as an earthquake.” For these reasons, this condition is also often regarded as stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Sparked by high-stress situations and drastic or outrageous surges in emotion, Heartbreak syndrome certainly warrants further exploration. Although most individuals who experience Takotsubo cardiomyopathy recover without any long-lasting or permanent health repercussions, specifically heart damage, the treatment for this condition has yet to become standardized. Occurring more or less exclusively in female patients between the ages of 58 and 75, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, most commonly referred to as Heartbreak syndrome, is a temporary heart condition that was first classified in Japan in the year 1990. Whether brought on by a bad break up, the death of a loved one, a grave financial loss, etc., heartbreak is a part of human life.

By Azadeh Beheshtian | Updated on May 30, 2023Įach and every person, at some point in their lives or another, is likely to experience heartbreak at least once.
