We all know the emotional pain of a broken heart from songs and stories. Yet science shows heartbreak can also be deadly. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), or “broken heart syndrome,” weakens the heart due to intense physical or emotional stress. Hence, broken heart syndrome should not be underestimated. A new University of Arizona study analyzed nearly 200,000 US patients between 2016 and 2020. TC cases rose slightly during this time, with women more frequently affected than men.
Despite more women developing TC, men face more than double the death rate. Eleven point two percent of men died from the broken heart syndrome condition versus 5.5 percent of women. The overall death rate stood at 6.5 percent.
“We were surprised by the high death and complication rates over five years,” said cardiologist M. Reza Movahed, lead researcher. The gap may stem from the different triggers of TC. Physical stress like surgery or infection affects men more. On the other hand, emotional stress often affects women and is linked with broken heart syndrome. Hormonal differences may also play a role.
SEVERE COMPLICATIONS COMMON IN TC PATIENTS
TC can lead to serious complications. More than a third of patients suffered congestive heart failure. Other issues included atrial fibrillation (20.7%), cardiogenic shock (6.6%), stroke (5.3%), and cardiac arrest (3.4%). Symptoms mimic heart attacks, often leading to misdiagnosis. The researchers hope raising awareness about broken heart syndrome will improve diagnosis and treatment.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS WITH EARLY INTERVENTION
Early detection is key to preventing deadly complications like embolic stroke. Patients with weakened hearts or irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation benefit from early anti-clotting medications, explained Movahed. The condition remains poorly understood in many aspects, from detection to risk management.
HEARTBREAK’S PHYSICAL TOLL
Not all TC cases result from relationship loss, but losing loved ones affects both mental and physical health. The heart bears significant stress during these times. “The persistently high death rate calls for urgent research to find better treatments,” Movahed urged. The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
