A broken heart
This is not just an affectation by the lovelorn, but an actual physical condition that affects your heart muscles.
I HAVE always thought that a broken heart is something that is emotional and only talked about by writers and lovestruck people. But I just heard that it is a real medical disorder. Is this true?
Yes, there is indeed a “broken heart” syndrome.
It is a heart condition that is caused by stressful situations such as surgery or an illness, as well as extreme emotional conditions.
It is also called stress cardiomyopathy, Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, and even octopus trap syndrome.
In this condition, there is no evidence of coronary artery blockage, which is the usual cause for heart attacks.
Wow, that’s a lot of names. But what does this condition have to do with a balloon?
Well, this is because on echocardiography, you can see an abnormality in the left ventricular wall movement.
If you recall, our heart is divided into four chambers: two atria and two ventricles.
The good thing about this abnormality is that it can return to normal, i.e. it is reversible, like a balloon.
Why do they call it octopus trap syndrome then?
This name was given because of a Japanese myth.
In this myth, there was an octopus fisherman in Japan who fell in love with one of the octopuses he caught.
Unfortunately, the octopus spurned his love, leaving the fisherman to die of a broken heart.
Why does broken heart syndrome happen?
No one really understands it well as yet.
But one thing is for sure: this syndrome is associated with emotional stress, which can also be related to physical stress.
Several hypotheses have been proposed.
One suggests that the stress causes increased levels of catecholamines (a group of compounds that include neurotransmitters like adrenaline and noradrenaline), which in turn cause stunning of the heart muscle, or even spasms of the heart’s blood vessels, resulting in a temporary lack of blood to the heart muscles.
It has also been postulated to be due to spontaneous destruction of blood vessels.
During angiography, the coronary arteries are usually found to be normal or just slightly narrowed (but not enough to cause death of the heart muscle as in a heart attack or a lack of blood) in patients who have this syndrome.
Does it occur at any particular age?
It usually happens to older women aged 41 to 85 years old.
Seven out of 10 of these women will have had a triggering event of severe emotional outburst.
In fact, 94% of patients who suffer from this syndrome are women, who are, fairly or unfairly, associated with being more emotional.
The condition is also more likely to strike in July, August and September, and least likely to occur in March and April.
I’m a woman. Recently, my son upset me greatly by marrying a girl I disapproved of. I felt chest pains after that episode! How will I know if I have this “broken heart” syndrome?
The symptoms of “broken heart” syndrome are exactly like that of a heart attack.
You can have sudden chest pain or shortness of breath.
You may indeed think that you are having a heart attack. But the pain is only temporary.
Only a part of your heart is affected by the “spasm” or whatever is causing it. The rest of your heart is working fine. The situation will reverse itself in a few days or weeks.
But you should rush to the emergency ward anyway as you won’t be able to tell if you are really having a heart attack or not. Let the doctors decide that.
I am an emotional person. What kind of triggers for this syndrome should I be aware of?
A broken heart syndrome is usually caused by an intense physical or emotional event, such as: > The death of a loved one or a
friend.
> A sudden scary medical diagnosis, e.g. if you are suddenly told you have cancer.
Losing, or even winning, a lot of money suddenly, e.g. when you gamble at the casino and lose everything you have with you. > Being physically or verbally
abused by a spouse.
A really bad argument (usually with a spouse or relative, but can also be with your boss). Losing your job, especially unexpectedly.
A surprise party (Yes, that can also trigger the syndrome, so beware of throwing people surprise parties).
Divorce.
Fear of public speaking, e.g. before you go on stage for a presentation.
After major surgery or an accident.
After an asthma attack. Getting diagnosed with Covid-19.
Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com. my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.