Stress Cardiomyopathy: Exploring Broken Heart Syndrome

Broken heart syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a heart condition that can be caused by a stressful life event or extreme emotions. Scientists believe that the release of stress hormones may cause a sudden dysfunction of the heart’s left ventricle. This is usually temporary, although in some cases, a person who experiences this event may continue to feel poorly even after the damage has healed. 

In recent years, researchers have discovered that broken heart syndrome can be linked to positive stressful events, such as the birth of a baby or a wedding. In these cases, professionals may refer to the phenomenon as “happy heart syndrome.” It can be important to effectively address stress and extreme emotions so that they don’t have lasting negative impacts on your well-being. One way to do so may be to work with a licensed therapist in person or online.

Emotional stress can impact physical health

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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Symptoms of broken heart syndrome

A sudden weakness in your heart muscle 

As the body’s coping mechanism to stress, it releases adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones. The sudden surge of adrenaline in response to stress overwhelms the heart muscle and causes sudden chest pain. This reduces blood flow to the heart as small arteries constrict from excess adrenaline. 

Potential complications of stress cardiomyopathy

While broken heart syndrome is usually temporary, there are some cases in which it can recur. Some potential complications of this condition may include those listed below:

• Blood clots in the coronary arteries

• Low blood pressure

• Pulmonary edema

• Irregular heartbeat

• Heart failure 

Broken heart syndrome vs. heart attack: Identifying potential sources of chest pain

While the symptoms of these conditions may mirror one another, the underlying causes are usually quite different. Broken heart syndrome may not be as severe because the arteries do not become blocked, and death from this condition tends to be rare. However, if you experience the symptoms associated with broken heart syndrome, it may be essential to seek emergency medical attention to determine whether you’re having a heart attack.

Causes of broken heart syndrome   

While researchers are unclear on the exact cause of broken heart syndrome, they believe it has something to do with a surge of stress hormones like adrenaline, which can temporarily damage the heart. This hormone surge may trigger changes in the heart muscle cells, the coronary arteries, or both, and this can prevent the effective contraction of the left ventricle. 

How grief and sadness from loss can cause emotional and physical stress

What typically happens is that an event causes severe emotional stress, physical stress, or both, and there is a temporary squeezing of the large or small arteries in the heart. The structure of the heart may also change in more severe reactions. Some events that may lead to broken heart syndrome include the following:

• A broken bone

• An emotional argument

• Major surgery

• Sudden illness, like an asthma attack

• The death of a loved one

• Witnessing violence

• The use of certain medications (for allergies and asthma particularly) and illegal stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamines

Risk factors for developing takotsubo cardiomyopathy

A few factors may put you at greater risk for developing broken heart syndrome.

• Those assigned female at birth tend to be more prone to developing broken heart syndrome.

• Individuals with conditions like anxiety disorders or depression may be at higher risk.

• Broken heart syndrome is most frequently observed in people over 50 years old.

Treatment for broken heart syndrome

A physician can determine whether you have experienced broken heart syndrome by observing an electrocardiogram (EKG) to determine heart electrical abnormalities, completing cardiac catheterization to ensure arteries are not blocked, and running an echocardiogram to check for any weakness or strain on the heart muscle. 

There’s no standard treatment for broken heart syndrome

Once an individual has been diagnosed with broken heart syndrome, a doctor may prescribe ACE inhibitors or beta blockers, which are medications typically used for heart failure. Recovery can take up to a few weeks, with some individuals engaging in cardiac rehabilitation programs during this time. 

For some patients, a medical professional may further recommend therapy to manage anxiety or stress. Evidence-based talk therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage fears around the experience, as well as offer tools and strategies to manage future stress. CBT can be an effective way to decrease anxiety symptoms. 

For those recovering from broken heart syndrome, attending online therapy sessions may be an easier way to receive therapy. With doctors’ appointments, cardiac rehab, and a need for rest after their experience, talking to a therapist from their own home may be the most convenient solution to get help with stress and anxiety.

Research has shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, so those who have experienced broken heart syndrome may rest assured that they may receive the same high-quality care whether they attend therapy online or in person. 

How you can help prevent broken heart syndrome

In many cases, emotional or physical stress seems to be the root cause of broken heart syndrome. A common risk factor for developing this condition may be chronic stress. There are some ways you can manage stress in your life, in addition to therapy. These include implementing healthy lifestyle habits like those discussed below.

Engage in physical activity

Getting moderate intensity exercise for an hour a day on most days of the week can lower stress levels, and exercise may have the added benefits of lowering blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health. 

Exercise doesn’t have to be any one particular activity. Instead, you can experiment to find what you most enjoy. Walking, hiking, taking a group fitness class, and playing with your kids or grandkids are just a few options. If you have already experienced broken heart syndrome or have other health problems, talk to your doctor before starting an exercise plan. 

Make social connections 

One of the most effective ways to defend yourself against the effects of stress can be to have a strong social safety net. This can include family, close friends, or groups of people with similar hobbies and interests. Support groups can also be a helpful way to connect with others if you are having difficulty finding a friend group. 

Create a mindfulness practice

It can be easy to neglect your emotional health when surrounded by work, home, and life obligations. Mindfulness practices can serve as a way to bring your mind into the present moment and give yourself a break. Below are several ways to incorporate mindfulness into your day:

• Journaling

• Taking breaks to stretch and breathe deeply

• Practicing yoga

• Meditating

• Going outside