Broken Heart Syndrome - Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction:

Broken heart syndrome is a non-permanent condition of the heart that is generally brought about due to diseases of overabundant stress and overwhelming emotions. Broken heart syndrome can also be set off due to extreme physical illness or invasive surgery. The most common feature experienced by a patient suffering from broken heart syndrome is a sudden attack of chest pain at the very center. The patient feels that they may be suffering from a heart attack which is far from reality. In broken heart syndrome, any small part of the heart starts to squeeze or pump more acutely, and this too, is stopped within a few minutes. However, the rest of the heart structure usually works. Broken heart syndrome is a treatable condition.

On the flip side, it may even be self-treated, or it may even get resolved independently. Other names of broken heart syndrome are apical ballooning syndrome or stress cardiomyopathy, or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is a condition characterized by sudden and severe chest pain, often triggered by emotional or physical stress, which leads to a transient dysfunction of the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle.

What Are the Causes of Broken Heart Syndrome?

The cause of broken heart syndrome is unclear despite certain studies and some extended investigations. Various schools of thought believe that broken heart syndrome may occur due to an influx of stress hormones such as adrenaline. Such as a strong surge of adrenaline or other stress hormones may cause some amount of damage to the heart. However, this is the same case for everyone, and thus, broken heart syndrome is sporadic. Therefore, this temporary condition and its cause are not clearly understood to date.

• A non-permanent squeeze of the blood vessels of the heart due to adrenaline.

• Constriction of small arteries.

• Intense physical activities.

• A solid emotional event.

• Asthma attack.

• An infection of covid-19.

• Major surgical procedure.

• Broken bones due to trauma.

• Death of a loved one.

• Loss of a precious item.

• A violent verbal argument.

• Allergic reaction to certain drugs.

• Nasal decongestants.

• Anti-anxiety medications.

• Drugs that stimulate the senses, such as Cocaine and Methamphetamine.

• Surprising or delightful news.

• The tremendous amount of anger.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Broken Heart Syndrome?

There are some well-known risk factors linked with broken heart syndrome mentioned below.

• Women are more prone to suffering from broken heart syndrome as compared to men.

• Individuals above 50 years of age are more susceptible to this condition.

• Mental health disorder.

• History of depression.

• History of anxiety.

• Women post-menopause.

What Are the Complications Caused Due to Broken Heart Syndrome?

An event of death due to broken heart syndrome is sporadic. Nevertheless, some complications may crop up due to this condition. Heart failure, blood clots in the heart, cardiogenic shock, and fluid accumulation in the lungs are the four complications that need immediate attention but have been documented scantly. All of the below-mentioned complications do not last forever and can actually be cured on their own after a certain period.

• Irregular heartbeat.

• Palpitations.

• Pale skin.

How to Prevent Broken Heart Syndrome?

Controlling one’s emotions may sound easier than done. Some individuals lose control of themselves during an emotional event that results in an outburst. Such conditions can be medically treated with medications such as beta-blockers. Alternatively, counseling and psychotherapy can also be suggested. A psychiatrist can be consulted if there are multiple depression, anxiety, or suicidal behavior events. Management of chronic stress is vital in preventing an episode of broken heart syndrome.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome?

Physical stressors and mental stressors cause a range of clinical manifestations in patients suffering from broken heart syndrome.

• Difficulty in breathing.

• High fever.

• Low blood pressure.

• Low blood sugar.

• Chest pain.

How to Diagnose Broken Heart Syndrome?

The healthcare provider will diagnose broken heart syndrome after a thorough physical examination. A medical history will also be documented in addition to multiple tests, such as the following mentioned below.

• The electrocardiogram is used to measure the amount of electrical activity in the heart.

• A special dye and chest X-rays to determine the functioning of the coronary arteries- coronary angiography.

• Echocardiography to evaluate the pumping mechanism of the heart.

• Chest x-ray to show the heart as well as other cardiovascular structures.

• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for still and moving heart images.

• Ventriculogram, wherein a dye is injected to check the efficiency of the heart chambers.

How to Treat Broken Heart Syndrome?

The first line of treatment is to manage the clinical manifestation shown by the patient. Symptomatic management will help with quick recovery. Next, checking the results of all the tests and evaluating the intensity of broken heart syndrome is a mandate. This will help to execute a direct treatment plan. Some of the medications that can be used only after a doctor’s prescription are:

• Long-term use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to lower blood pressure.

• Short-term use of beta-blockers to slow the pace of the heart.

• Anti-anxiety and anti-depressive medications enhance mood.

• Short-term use of diuretics to tone down the fluid accumulation in the entire body.

• Counseling to treat emotional distress.

• Psychotherapy.

• Cardiac rehabilitation.

• Admission to relaxation therapies such as yoga or other advanced techniques.

• Acupuncture to reduce stress and control the effects of stress hormones.

• Anger management classes.

Conclusion:

Broken heart syndrome is a disease wherein the chest hurts for a short time, but it feels like there has been a heart attack. The cause for this is not known. Some studies show some relation between broken heart syndrome and adrenaline released during high stress and emotional imbalance. Following a diet rich in good fats may help stabilize the mood. Regular exercise can balance the hormones of the body and reduce anger issues. Getting an adequate amount of sleep and rest throughout the day is also necessary for managing one’s emotional being. Avoiding and preventing illegal drugs, smoking, tobacco use, and any other trigger factors will be a healthy choice to stop the occurrence of broken heart syndrome.