As this is February and Heart Health Awareness Month, let's discuss something that you rarely hear about, but it is a true cardiac disorder. The reason I have added this particular subject is because there are a variety of stresses in our world at this time, so I appeal to you to consider stress and your heart.
Broken Heart Syndrome, AKA, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy or Stress Cardiomyopathy.
The exact cause is not known but it is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress which intensifies the release of stress hormones. This creates a forceful contraction with inward narrowing, thus weak contractions and outward ballooning of the heart walls. Symptoms can mimic a heart attack, but unlike a heart attack, there is usually no blockage in the coronary arteries. It disproportionately affects women in their 50s and older. They believe they are having a heart attack, but upon examination, there are no blockages in the heart vessels.
Symptoms include: chest pain, sudden heart weakness, and abnormal breathing. It mimics the same symptoms as a true heart attack thus 911 should be called immediately. Any chest pain should be evaluated by the Emergency Room complete with cardiac enzymes, EKG, physical exam and coronary angiogram.
Treatment will be assessed at that time, possible Ace Inhibitors, blood thinners, etc, much as a true heart attack. Further evaluation of the stressors that may be causing the stress are necessary.
Most importantly, never ignore chest pain, angina. We do not have the tools to evaluate ourselves in this type of emergency, so always call Emergency Services, 911 to be fully evaluated.
*This article is only informational and no treatment guidelines are suggested.
Thank you to article by UT Southwestern Medical Center. 2/25