Broken Heart Syndrome, 2

Broken heart syndrome or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is not a ‘heart attack’ per se, although it may be misdiagnosed as such because the symptoms and test results are similar to those of a heart attack, including major changes in heart rhythm. But typically the arteries are not blocked. Rather, part of the heart enlarges temporarily (left heart ventricle) in the shape of an octopus trap while the rest of the heart is trying to function normally. It’s usually treatable although it can result in death. Considered stress-related, what type of stressors could trigger the syndrome? Almost anything that the individual finds ‘emotionally stressful’ or ‘shocking’ or ‘intense, including: For example: breakup of a relationship, betrayal by someone you thought was a friend, divorce, sudden death of a loved one, a catastrophic natural disaster, or even winning the lottery. Part 3 coming up.