The Cleveland Clinic press release notes that stress cardiomyopathy, similar to the symptoms of a heart attack but usually not fatal, is not fully understood.
This condition was first described in Japanese medical literature in 1990 as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, Richard Stein, MD, a cardiologist and professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of New York, previously told Health.
The reference comes from a vase-shaped pot of a similar name, which was used to trap octopuses in Japan, which has a thin neck and balloons coming out in the area of the octopus’s body that is involved. The lower part of the heart can expand and resemble a trap, explained Dr. Richard.
Meanwhile researchers and doctors are not entirely sure about what causes stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome. However, they believe it is triggered by a person’s reaction to a stressful event physically or emotionally.
The body’s response to stress is the release of stress hormones which temporarily reduces the heart’s ability to pump, ultimately causing it to contract less efficiently or more irregularly than the general pattern.
The American Heart Association also says that women are more likely to suffer broken heart syndrome than men who are most likely related to stress due to the death of a loved one or divorce.
Fortunately, patients with stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome generally recover within days or weeks. This condition is rarely fatal and can usually be treated with heart medications to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate in addition to drugs that can help manage stress.
But with the condition of the pandemic that continues to increase shows that in addition to maintaining physical health, it is also important to prioritize mental health and stress levels.
“While the pandemic continues to grow, self-care during this difficult time is very important for our cardiovascular health, and our overall health. For those who feel overwhelmed by stress, it is important to reach out to healthcare providers,” said Grant Reed, MD, MSc, director Cleveland Clinic’s STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) program and senior author for this study.
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