Aintense physical or emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one or a heated argument, canliterally break our hearts. The“broken heart syndrome”Ocardiomiopatía de TakotsuboYou have symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. But it is usually temporary, does not leave sequelae, and does not affect the coronary arteries like a heart attack, but rather theheart muscle.
But what causes it? According to a study published in mid-2009 in the journalAmerican Journal of Cardioloy, the disorder appears to be due to aincreased level of stress-related hormones, such as adrenaline. The arteries are not occluded, but it is the heart muscle that suffers and weakens, to the point that the left ventricle acquires a conical shape.
It is estimated thatbetween 1 and 2% of subjects diagnosed with a heart attack actually suffer from this syndrome. Experts try to understand the disease process to help develop more effective treatments and short-term and long-term strategies. Among other things, it has been found that, unlike heart attacks, which usually occur in winter, broken heart syndrome usually occurs in thespring and summer months. In 75% of cases it occurs after suffering intense stress, such as a traffic accident, an argument, the death of a loved one, … And the syndrome is more common in women, especially if they have already passed the menopause.
