A condition known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often referred to as ‘broken heart syndrome’, can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack and is frequently triggered by a major emotional event. (Also read: When ‘just a fever’ turns dangerous: Doctor shares 5 warning signs your infection needs urgent medical attention ) Can intense emotional distress actually affect your heart and in some cases, can it even be fatal?
The answer is yes, according to board-certified cardiovascular surgeon Dr Jeremy London.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a temporary weakening of the heart muscle that can occur following significant emotional or physical stress. “These patients present just like a heart attack , usually after a big emotional event. And it’s hard to tell the difference between the two,” Dr London explained. The condition is often associated with intense emotional experiences such as grief, fear, shock or severe stress, although physical stressors can also trigger it. Importantly, chest pain , breathlessness, sweating, nausea or other symptoms that resemble a heart attack should never be assumed to be caused by emotional stress alone. Anyone experiencing possible heart attack symptoms should seek emergency medical attention.
