Broken Hearts...and Heart Attacks

             Broken Heart Syndrome (BHS) is the main topic discussed in this article that I found about a week ago, I think this article definitely applies to what we've been talking about in class- The Heart! Basically what this article talks about is BHS and how it is a condition that can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. People that experience BHS will sometimes note chest pain and shortness of breath. In fact, BHS mimics a heart attack so well, that when a person with chest pain comes to the hospital and an EKG (electrocardiogram) is taken, the reading will show a pattern that looks just like a heart attack. And when blood tests are done, they will show the typical elevation in heart enzymes. And when an ultrasound is done, it will also show a weakened heart muscle with abnormal motion. All of these are typical signs associated with a heart attack. But then when the heart arteries are looked at, they will be pretty much normal, and no blockage or clots will be found.
            BHS was first described in the early 1990's by Japanese researchers. And they named it Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo is an octopus trap, the trap has a narrow neck and a wide base. The reason the condition was named this was because this is how the heart looks during the condition. There is still a lot of debate over what causes the condition but experts believe that things like a bad breakup, an intense argument, or the loss of a loved one can trigger the condition, basically anything involving high levels of stress. One researcher states in the article that women are 7.5 more times likely to experience BHS. No one is for sure why this is, but it is speculated that hormonal differences or the different number of stress receptors in women could be part of the reason. 
              Obviously there is still a lot of guessing and confusion over BHS, but it is a good idea to lower stress. It is one thing that is known, that anyone who lowers the levels of stress in their life, will lower the risk of developing the condition. Being generally healthy also helps, eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise. But the good news is that when the condition is given the proper attention people will make a full recovery with no long-term disability.


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Heart Article