Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or Broken heart syndrome, also known as takotsubo syndrome or stress cardiomyopathy, is a heart condition triggered by sudden and severe emotional or physical stress. It can feel like a heart attack, but there’s no indication of blocked arteries. Symptoms include sudden, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, weakening of the left ventricle, irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, heart palpitations, and fainting.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy—also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome—is a temporary heart condition that mimics a heart attack. It's often triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress, such as grief or shock.
🫀 Key Symptoms
These symptoms can come on suddenly and feel like a heart attack:
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Chest pain (often severe and sudden)
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Shortness of breath
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Irregular heartbeat
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Dizziness or fainting
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Low blood pressure
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Sweating
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Fatigue or weakness
🔬 What Happens in the Heart
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The left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) temporarily weakens and takes on a balloon-like shape (like a Japanese octopus trap called a takotsubo).
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Unlike a heart attack, there’s no blockage in the coronary arteries.
🧠Common Triggers
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Sudden emotional trauma (death of a loved one, intense fear, anger, grief)
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Physical stress (accident, surgery, asthma attack, or major illness)
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Sometimes it can occur without a clear trigger
👩⚕️ Who’s Most at Risk
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Most commonly affects women over age 50
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A history of anxiety, depression, or neurological illness increases risk
✅ Diagnosis (by doctors)
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ECG changes (may look like a heart attack)
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Elevated cardiac enzymes
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Echocardiogram shows abnormal heart muscle movement
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Cardiac MRI or angiogram to rule out blocked arteries
🩺 Treatment
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Supportive care—often similar to treating heart failure
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Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics
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Stress management is crucial
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Most people fully recover within weeks
I'm experiencing this since Honey's death. It feels like a heart-attack.
