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Broken Heart Syndrome

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Traditional Japanese Takotsubo Jars

How do you heal from a broken heart? What if it landed you in the ER?

Patients with a condition known as stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo Syndrome present with chest pain and shortness of breath – but unlike a heart attack, it is not caused by blocked arteries. Instead, stress-associated events temporarily stun the heart, resulting in decreased blood flow causing the heart to pump less efficiently.

When looking at the heart with an echocardiogram or ultrasound, doctors can see that the left ventricle – the main pumping chamber – isn’t squeezing properly, especially in the middle and tip of the heart. Meanwhile, the base part near the top is working normally or even squeezing harder than usual. This gives the heart a balloon-like shape, imitating the look of traditional Japanese octopus traps where the name Takotsubo comes from.

The adrenergic system, which is responsible for regulating attention and stress response, is likely to blame. It is thought that the triggering surge of adrenaline is seen as toxic by the body, interrupting the function of small blood vessels in the heart. In fact, there are reports of patients developing the syndrome after receiving high doses of hormones like adrenaline.

First noted in 1990, the condition commonly appears after a significant trigger – whether physical or emotional. And although the condition is more common in women, men are more likely to die from it.

The good news is that 95 percent of patients recover from stress cardiomyopathy and their broken heart can return to normal function within weeks. So, when they say, “only time can heal a broken heart,” they’re right – but you should always consult a medical professional.

A special thanks goes to Dr. Suparna C. Clasen, MD, MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cardiology, IU School of Medicine for reviewing today's episode!

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Associate Producer, A Moment of Science