Every year you hear a number of cases of "Broken Heart Syndrome" but what exactly is this? The severe emotional stress that we usually go through can result in stress cardiopathy. Some of the triggers for this broken heart syndrome include domestic abuse and violence, news of death of dear loved ones, over-excitement or an armed robbery. These are some of the common triggers for broken heart syndrome.

Symptoms for broken heart syndrome

The symptoms of broken heart syndrome can be similar to those of an acute heart attack. Usually people having the broken heart syndrome complain of severe chest pressure, which can be linked to chest pain. They have difficulty in breathing and also have the feeling that they are going to die.

In case of a heart attack, the heart cells die and this results in a permanent damage to your heart muscles. But in the case of a broken heart syndrome, it is just that the heart cells are in a shocked state. The initial 24-48 hours after the broken heart syndrome the heart muscles are in a pathetic state. However, this is a temporary condition and if you take proper care of your health, it is reversible and you can lead a normal life.

Usually people with broken heart syndrome require intensive cardiac care. The occurrence of broken heart syndrome is usually seen in normal patients that have gone through a sudden emotional stress. Also, this is more commonly seen in women as compared to men.

The case of this broken heart syndrome is still unknown, but medical scientists consider it as a reaction to the strange response of the stress hormones like adrenaline soon after an emotional trauma.

What can cause a broken heart syndrome?

If you are going through a continuing emotional trauma, this can be more dangerous to you than any other type of physical exertion. Usually older people cannot overcome this type of emotional stress and become victims of the broken heart syndrome. If you are a short-tempered person or have a fear about something and are unable to release your feelings, then in this case also a broken heart syndrome can occur.

It is important that you confide in someone close if you are going through a stressful situation. Your doctor is the best person who can understand your problem. However, there are many people who are hesitant in telling out their problems. But, it is important from your side to keep your doctor aware of the issues that you are going through, so that he/she can guide you in the right direction and keep you away from falling prey to the broken heart syndrome.

Now, doctors have started applying the probing attitude that helps them understand the stress that their patient is going through. But, even if your doctor does not have the probing nature, it is better that you make him aware of the condition so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent a broken heart syndrome.

Jonathan Pitts

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jonathan Pitts