What Is Broken Heart Syndrome and Tips To Prevent

Broken Heart Syndrome is one of those things that people consider to be folklore, but the truth is, it isnโ€™t. Broken Heart Syndrome is a sad reality, and many people suffer from this. A condition that affects the heartโ€™s muscle tissue and the initial symptoms of this syndrome are similar to those of a heart attack 

Valentineโ€™s Day is not always a candy-coated day of love and romance. For many whoโ€™ve lost a loved one, suffered a breakup, or are on the brink of separation or divorce, this day is anything but sweet.

The emotional and physical challenges may result in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, more casually known as Broken Heart Syndrome. 

Learning about Broken Heart Syndrome can help you heal from the pain and trauma of love and loss โ€“ and make it through emotional calendar events like this.

Facts About Broken Heart Syndrome

  • Profound emotional sadness doesnโ€™t just weigh heavy on your mind. It significantly impacts your body.
  • The depths of being heartbroken lowers your immune system, increases blood pressureย and heart rate, and causes significant muscle weakness, just to name a few.
  • Stress from heartbreakย griefย can flood the body withย hormones, specifically cortisol, which causes that heavy-achy-feeling you get in your chest area.
  • The heartache that comes from lost love can increase the likelihood of a heart attack. In fact, a recent study showed that a person who has a tendency to be depressed and has recently suffered a love trauma was fiveย times more likely to die than a person withย depressionย alone or a heart condition alone.
  • Women are 10 times more likely to suffer from Broken Heart Syndrome than men.
Broken Heart Syndrome

Related: How A Strong Woman Heals Her Broken Heart Differently

Tips for Preventing Broken Heart Syndrome

1. Take control.

Prepare yourself for the holiday crush that comes from television, radio, online, and print. Limit your exposure to such things if the overblown seasonal attention becomes too much.

2. Take stock.

In knowing that youโ€™re not alone in feeling lonely, let down, or unhappy during this time. Many are quietly suffering through just like you.

3. Donโ€™t hold in your emotional pain.

Studies show that expressing emotions greatly reduces the bodyโ€™s stress response.

4. Donโ€™t put a time limit on your grief.

And donโ€™t let others set one for you either. Your healing time for this love trauma is uniquely yours.

5. Make sure you tend to your physical needs.

Softness, warmth, and touch can be healing. Feed your other senses too โ€” music, scents, and beauty. Donโ€™t forget to taste the world.

6. Donโ€™t ignore chronic aches or pains.

Check-in with your physician to make sure that youโ€™re in good medical health.

7. Make sure you eat well.

Choosing healthy foods to keep you nourished during difficult times.

8. Keep a routine sleep schedule.

If you require medication to help you with sleeping, to regulate moods, or for cardiac management, donโ€™t feel ashamed. Youโ€™re going through a significantly stressful time.

9. A broken heart leaves many people feeling stunned and stuck.

Move. Get out of bed. Take a shower. Go for a walk. Feel the sun on your face.

10. If you feel fragile, limit your exposure to emotionally driven holiday events.

That doesnโ€™t mean you should avoid people completely. Decide what social connections will give you support, and which ones may be too taxing.

11. Donโ€™t forget your spiritual side.

Prayer, even meditation, has been shown to comfort a broken heart.

Above all, remember: A broken heart doesnโ€™t make youโ€™re unlovable. At this moment in time, you are healing. But remind yourself to be open when love presents itself again.

References:

Behrens, C.B . et. al. (2010). Major depression as a potential trigger for Takitsubo Cardiomyopathy. International Journal of Cardiology, 15;140(2):40-42.
Bybee, K.A. & Prasaad, A. (2008). Stress related cardiomyopathy syndromes. Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association,118:397-409.

Written By Deborah Serani  
Originally Appeared In Psychology Today

Broken Heart Syndrome can be difficult to deal with, but not impossible. No matter how hard it may seem, there is light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how much pain you feel inside, it will get better with time.


Frequently Asked Questions:

What is broken heart syndrome?

Also known asย takotsubo cardiomyopathyย or stress cardiomyopathy, broken heart syndrome is a short-term and transient heart condition typically caused by intense emotions, stressful or negative life events, and physical illness or surgery. It is marked by a dysfunction in theย left ventricle of the heart.

What are the symptoms of broken heart syndrome?

Common symptoms of this heart condition may include weak left ventricle of the heart,ย sudden chest pain, breathlessness, irregular heartbeat,ย low blood pressure & fluid buildup in the lungs.

Is broken heart syndrome different from panic attacks?

Broken heart syndrome is not similar to a panic attack. Although panic attacks may involve similar symptoms as a reaction to perceived stress, it does not physically harm the heart muscle. In broken heart syndrome transient, regional systolicย dysfunction of the left ventricleย of the heart occurs.

Can you die from broken heart syndrome?

In short, yes. But death is highly unlikely. Althoughย mortality ranges from 0 to 10%ย for broken heart syndrome, death is extremely rare as early diagnosis and effective treatment can lead to a full recovery within a few weeks.

What is the treatment for broken heart syndrome?

Treatmentย of this condition primarily depends on the intensity of the symptoms. Common treatment approaches may involve medications, cardiac rehabilitation, and stress management techniques like meditation and yoga. Coronary angiography may be recommended by a doctor.

what broken heart syndrome pin
Broken-Heart-PIN

— Share —

, , , ,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Unsocial Media: The Real Effects Of Screen Time

Unsocial Media The Real Effects Of More Screen Time

Is social media making us less social in real life? Discover the true effects of screen time on face-to-face connections and overall well-being.

Loss of real-life interaction hampers social development.

Key points

A significant amount of real-life social interaction seems essential for the development of emotional and personal skills.

Research suggests that today’s youth has about half the exposure to critical real-life social interaction that pre-internet generations did.

Trends in poor social development among young people suggest the need for urgent attention and specific strategies to enhanc

Up Next

When Grandparentsโ€™ Love Goes Sour: 8 Signs Of Toxic Grandparents And How To Survive Them

Signs Of Toxic Grandparents

Have you ever noticed certain behaviors that make you wonder if your grandparentsโ€™ love might be a littleโ€ฆ off? Spotting the signs of toxic grandparents can be tough, especially when society paints them as the ultimate source of unconditional love and support.

But sometimes, grandparents might cross boundaries, show favoritism, or create a stressful environment that doesnโ€™t quite feel right. If youโ€™ve ever felt uneasy about their behavior, youโ€™re not alone.

In this article, weโ€™ll dive into the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of toxic grandparents and give you some strategies regarding how to deal with toxic grandparents, without causing family drama.

First, let us try to understand what are toxic grandparents.

Up Next

How a Person with Bipolar Disorder Thinks: 10 Things That Cross Their Mind

How a Person with Bipolar Disorder Thinks

Ever wondered how a person with bipolar disorder thinks? Living with bipolar disorder is often a constant ride of highs and lows, not just in mood but also in thoughts.

One moment, someone might feel invincible, brimming with ideas and energy; the next, they may feel crushed by sadness or anxiety, weighed down by self-doubt and exhaustion.

Understanding how a person with bipolar disorder thinks can help you understand better what they might be going through. Today, we’ll dive into what is bipolar disorder, followed by 10 thoughts that often cross the minds of those who live with it.

Let’s start with what is bipolar disorder.

Related:

Up Next

9 Unusual Signs of Low Intelligence That Will Surprise You

Indicators of Low Intelligence That Will Surprise You

When we talk about intelligence, most of us picture sharp-witted people solving puzzles or doing complex math. But the signs of low intelligence can be just as telling, and they show up in ways you might not expect.

A low IQ person often exhibit certain behaviors or attitudes that make them stand out. Whether itโ€™s their inability to adapt or their rigid thinking, these subtle low IQ symptoms say a lot.

Today, we are going to do a deep dive into the 9 unusual signs of low intelligence that might surprise youโ€”because intelligence isnโ€™t just about getting straight Aโ€™s.

Related:

Up Next

How Sleep affects Your Mental Health

The quality and amount of sleep play a huge role in the mental health and mood of an individual.

Even just one night of inadequate sleep can heighten oneโ€™s stress level. Constant lack of sleep and chronic sleep deprivation can alter a personโ€™s disposition and may even lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. In fact, a lot of research is now establishing links between insomnia and depression and how the two can interchangeably affect each other.

Sleep and mental health are broad and complex topics that still need further research to be able to fully grasp and comprehend well about them. All the same, the more we dig deeper w

Up Next

A Letter For Those Who Donโ€™t Understand Chronic Illness

A Letter for those who donโ€™t understand chronic illness.

Dear people who donโ€™t understand autoimmune disease or Chronic Illness:

I know people that have an autoimmune disease and chronic illness. They seem fine on the outside, but thatโ€™s what they want you to see because they have a fear of being judged and misunderstood.

However, in reality, people that deal with these issues may be people who are dealing with diet restrictions. Perhaps they have to go to many doctors to deal with managing pain. They may not be able to do the things that we take for granted.

I personally believe if you have an autoimmune disease, or any other chronic ill

Up Next

Unlocking The Pain Of The Past: 10 Signs Of Repressed Childhood Trauma In Adults

Ever find yourself reacting strongly to situations and not quite sure why? Either you hear echoes of your past, or itโ€™s probably because you listen to your inner child. In this article, weโ€™re delving into the signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults โ€“ those subtle whispers from your younger self that can shape your present.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});