It’s not only a stressful situation that can trigger heart
events, according to a recent paper that highlights the link between positive
emotions and a mysterious heart condition known as broken heart syndrome.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often referred to as broken heart
syndrome, is a temporary heart condition brought on by extreme emotional
stress. During broken heart syndrome, people experience heart failure or heart
attack-like symptoms including chest pain and shortness of breath, yet have no signs
of heart disease. Most cases occur after very stressful events, such as the
death of a loved one.
But according to recent findings, it’s not only a broken
heart that can trigger this condition. In a recent paper published in the European Heart Journal, experts review
recent findings from the International Takotsubo Registry, which tracks patients
with the condition. Established in 2010, the registry includes patients from 25
cardiovascular centers across nine countries: Austria, Finland, France,
Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Based on registry data, joyful events were associated with
roughly 4% of all cases triggered by emotion. For example, broken heart
syndrome may have been triggered by birthday parties, weddings or becoming a
grandparent.
But that’s not to say we should all fear broken heart
syndrome when facing exciting or stressful situations. Past research has found
that broken heart syndrome is more common in women than men and tends to occur
in older or elderly adults. And fortunately, broken heart syndrome usually
resolves on its own within weeks.
Still, experts hope to continue to learn about the cause and
treatment of this mysterious condition. Many patients with broken heart
syndrome are misdiagnosed, since symptoms mimic that of a heart attack or heart
failure. With additional research, experts hope to better understand broken
heart syndrome to help prevent and treat this rare condition.