KNOW ALL ABOUT BROKEN HEART SYNDROME

Broken Heart Syndrome is a medical condition which occurs when the heart muscle becomes suddenly stunned or weakened. It generally happens due to severe emotional or physical stress. This condition lasts temporarily and people recover within two months mostly. Medically, it is termed Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

It is also known as stress cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart’s main pumping chamber changes shape, affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. The heart’s chamber looks similar to a Tako -Tsubo pot, which is a Japanese fishing pot used to catch octopus. Hence, the term Takotsubo is taken from the Japanese language.

It occurs due to an extremely stressful physical or emotional event. Common triggers could be the death of a loved one, a serious accident, a fierce argument, an unexpected loss or a sudden illness. These triggers are the reason for the condition’s nickname, broken heart syndrome. It can happen at any age to anyone. However, it mostly affects older women.

Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting - usually after feeling severe stress are the main symptoms. These symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack, so if you experience these symptoms, reach out for medical help right away.

The following tests are needed to determine the cause of your symptoms and confirm whether it's a heart attack or not: ECG – an electrical recording of your heart’s action, Blood test – to check for enzymes that indicate damage to the heart muscle, Echocardiogram – an ultrasound of your heart which studies the heart’s shape and detects any abnormal movements of the main pumping chamber, Coronary angiogram - to check the blood flow through your heart’s blood vessels (coronary arteries). People with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy don’t have a blockage in their coronary arteries, whereas in heart attacks there is a blockage.

The most popular form of treatment is medication. Most people only need to take medication for a brief period of time, and it will help your heart muscle recover and reduce stress on it. Nevertheless, it's crucial to adhere to the treatment and medication schedule that your doctor has recommended.

Most people fully recover within two months after the heart muscle has healed, which typically takes 2-4 weeks. To monitor your heart's recovery, you might need to have echocardiograms performed on a regular basis. Any physical or emotional stress that might have caused your condition is crucial to managing. Cardiac rehabilitation shows you how to maintain your health, feel more in control of your condition, and lower your risk of becoming ill again.