Broken Heart Syndrome
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
The Difference Between a Heart Attack and a Broken HeartIt is difficult to tell the difference between broken heart syndrome and a heart attack since both can have changes in electrocardiograms (EKGs) and blood tests. Doctors rely on other tests that allow them to look for left ventricle abnormalities that indicate broken heart syndrome. The syndrome causes the left ventricle to narrow and develop a rounded bottom. In addition, those with broken heart syndrome typically lack the coronary artery blockages associated with heart attacks. Women at Higher RiskWhile the syndrome does occur in both genders, a recent literature review found that 90% of broken heart cases occur in postmenopausal women. The condition typically occurs in women who are aged 60 years and older. The reasons why the condition occurs more in women is still uncertain. However, researchers think sex hormones may play a role. Broken heart syndrome is a temporary and reversible condition. The left ventricle will revert to its normal shape and function in days or weeks. It’s also uncommon for it to happen again. Coping with StressWe will all experience stress in our lives. Learning how to cope with stress, especially when it's unexpected may help you avoid problems. Mental Health America offers the following suggestions to cope:
RESOURCES:The American Institute of Stress
http://www.stress.org Mental Health America
http://www.nmha.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.cmha.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org References:Broken heart syndrome: real, potentially deadly but recovery quick. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL) Published February 9, 2005. Accessed November 14, 2017. Coping with stress checklist. Mental Health America website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed November 14, 2017. Derrick D. The "Broken Heart Syndrome": Understanding takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Crit Care Nurse. 2009;29(1):49-57.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. British Heart Foundation website. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/conditions/cardiomyopathy/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy.aspx. Accessed December 9, 2015.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T901072/Takotsubo-syndrome. Updated September 1, 2017. Accessed November 14, 2017.
Zeb M, Sambu N, Scott P, Curzen N. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a diagnostic challenge. Postgrad Med J. 2011;87(1023):51-59.
Last reviewed November 2017 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Last Updated: 12/9/2015 |
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