Broken Heart Syndrome

You may have experienced a 'broken heart' but is it 'broken'?

Broken heart syndrome is a heart condition that's often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions. The condition also can be triggered by a serious physical illness or surgery. Broken heart syndrome is usually temporary, however some people may continue to feel unwell after the heart is healed.

Symptoms

People with broken heart syndrome may have sudden chest pain or think they're having a heart attack. Broken heart syndrome affects just part of the heart. It briefly interrupts the way the heart pumps blood. The rest of the heart continues to work as usual. Sometimes the heart contracts more forcefully.

Medicines are used to treat symptoms of broken heart syndrome.

The issue is that whilst it may not be a heart attack, you cannot afford to risk it. Any heart pain should be immediately investigated. You may feel emotionally broken hearted, but do not self-diagnose.

Broken heart syndrome also may be called:

·        Stress cardiomyopathy.

·        Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

·        Recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

·        Apical ballooning syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms of broken heart syndrome can mimic those of a heart attack. Symptoms may include:

·        Chest pain.

·        Shortness of breath.

When to see a doctor

Any continued chest pain could be due to a heart attack. Call 000 for emergency support if you have new or unexplained chest pain. Also call if you have a very rapid or irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath.