Can you Die From A Broken Heart?
American Heart Month is celebrated every February. Quite an appropriate month as February is all about love… which is all about the heart.
Broken Heart Syndrome or takosubo cardiomyopathy, can be a life threatening condition. Broken heart syndrome is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one, a breakup or a traumatic event.
In broken heart syndrome, the heart’s left ventricle weakens and changes shape temporarily. This leads to symptoms similar to a heart attack. These symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythms. However, unlike a heart attack, broken heart syndrome is not caused by blocked arteries which prevent the heart muscle from receiving oxygenated blood.
While most people recover fully with proper treatment, complications like heat failure or severe arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) can arise in rare cases. Emotional and physical stress can also exacerbate existing heart conditions, so it’s very important to seek help if you experience these symptoms or if grief feels overwhelming.
Make sure your primary healthcare provider knows about any recent grief, trauma or stress you may have experienced and any chest pain or shortness of breath you are having. If you are experiencing these heart (cardiac) symptoms, be sure your doctor refers you to a heart specialist ( cardiologist) to rule out any underlying heart disease. Make sure your symptoms are addressed appropriately even all of your cardiac testing comes back negative.
Cardiac diagnostic testing is used to assess the heart’s structure and function, diagnose conditions, and guide treatment. Your symptoms should be addressed properly by undergoing some the following diagnostic testing:
Electro-Cardiogram (EKG/ECG): Measures the electrical activity of your heart and can detect irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, or other abnormalities.
Echocardiogram: Visualizes the heart’s structure and movement. Evaluates heart valves, pumping function, and potential fluid buildup.
Stress Test: Assesses how the heart performs under stress (exercise or medication induced). Detects coronary artery disease or issues with blood flow.
Cardiac Catheterization: Involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel (catheterization) to access the heart. Through the tube, they can measure the pressure in the heart, inject dye for imaging purposes, and identify blockages in the coronary arteries.
Coronary Angiography: A type of catheterization that uses contrast dye and X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries. It can detect blockages or narrowing of the arteries.
Cardiac CT (Computed Tomography): Creates detailed images of the heart and blood vessels. Helps detect coronary artery disease, calcium buildup, or structural abnormalities.
Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of the heart. Evaluates heart function, tissue damage, and structural abnormalities.
Blood Tests:
Troponin: Measures heart muscle damage (e.g. heart attack).
BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide): Evaluates heart failure.
Lipid panel: Assesses cholesterol levels for heart disease risk.
Holter Monitor or Event Recorder: Portable devices that are worn for 24-48 hours or longer to record the heart rhythm. Can detect intermittent arrhythmias not seen on an ECG/EKG.
Tilt Table Test: Assesses how changes in position affects the hart rate and blood pressure. Diagnoses fainting or syncope causes.
Nuclear Cardiology (e.g. Myocardial Perfusion Imaging): Uses radioactive tracers to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle. Identifies areas of reduced blood flow or damage.
Each diagnostic test chosen is based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and suspected condition. If you are considering cardiac diagnostic testing, consulting a cardiologist is key to determining the most appropriate evaluation for you.
