Stating that broken heart syndrome is more common in women, especially after menopause, Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ali Cemal Sağ said, “Sudden onset of chest pain, usually severe, is the most common symptom of broken heart syndrome. As with a heart attack, this pain is usually felt in the center of the chest. The person may experience shortness of breath that occurs suddenly.”
Medical Park Ordu Hospital Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ali Cemal Sağ said that broken heart syndrome is similar to a heart attack. Providing a medical definition of broken heart syndrome, Prof. Dr. Sağ said, “It is known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-related cardiomyopathy. This syndrome is a temporary condition of heart muscle weakness that occurs after intense stress or emotional trauma.”
Prof. Dr. Sağ said, “Usually following a severe emotional or physical stress, a sudden dysfunction occurs in the left ventricle of the heart. As ballooning can be shown by ECHO at the end of the main pumping chamber of the heart, the same condition can be detected in coronary angiography. This condition can have similar symptoms to a heart attack, but the difference is that broken heart syndrome does not involve blockage of the heart vessels. Symptoms of the syndrome include chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat. Treatment is usually supportive and most patients recover completely within a few weeks.”
“It is more common in postmenopausal women”
Stating that broken heart syndrome is more common in women, especially in the post-menopausal period, Prof. Dr. Sağ said, “The main reason for this is the decrease in the protective effects of hormones, especially estrogen, on heart health. Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining the elasticity and health of the heart vessels in women. It also has a protective effect on the heart against stress hormones (such as adrenaline and cortisol). In the postmenopausal period, estrogen levels drop, which makes the heart more vulnerable to stressors. The hormonal changes that come with menopause can lead to changes in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These changes can negatively affect heart health. In addition, postmenopausal women may often experience more stress, anxiety or depression, depending on their age. These conditions can be triggers for broken heart syndrome. As a result, the decrease in estrogen levels after menopause and the associated physiological and psychological changes make women more prone to broken heart syndrome.”
“It can be similar to a heart attack”
Underlining that the symptoms of broken heart syndrome are usually sudden and severe and can be similar to those of a heart attack, Prof. Dr. Sağ said, “Chest pain, which starts suddenly and is usually severe, is the most common symptom of broken heart syndrome. As with a heart attack, this pain is usually felt in the center of the chest. The person may experience shortness of breath that comes on suddenly. This is caused by the heart not pumping blood efficiently enough. Irregular heartbeats or rapid heartbeats (palpitations) may occur. Some patients may faint due to a sudden drop in blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. A feeling of intense tiredness may be caused by a weakened heart. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may occur, but these symptoms are less common. Excessive sweating can occur, often in combination with chest pain and shortness of breath. These symptoms occur suddenly and usually after a stressful event. It is important to seek urgent medical attention when experiencing symptoms, as broken heart syndrome can be very similar to a heart attack and expert evaluation is necessary for accurate diagnosis.”
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