Ways to Cope with Broken Heart Syndrome

Cardiology Specialist and Associate Professor Dr. Selçuk Görmez from Acıbadem Kadıköy Hospital provided information about heart diseases during an interview, and also shared insights on Broken Heart Syndrome, which occurs 9 times more frequently in women than men. Broken Heart Syndrome, first identified in Japan in 1990 and also known as "takotsubo cardiomyopathy," results from sudden emotional changes that occur following intense physical and psychological stress. It is thought that the increase in stress hormones causes loss of movement in the left ventricle of the heart and deterioration in heart muscle cells and the peripheral sections of the coronary vessel bed. Cardiology Specialist and Associate Professor Dr. Selçuk Görmez listed these stress factors as "unexpected loss of a loved one, severe arguments, receiving bad news, sudden financial losses, accidents, domestic disputes, infidelity, severe pain or surgical procedures, asthma attacks or winning the lottery jackpot, receiving news of pregnancy and other unexpected, intensely joyful situations."

Symptoms Similar to Heart Attack

Noting that Broken Heart Syndrome presents with symptoms resembling a heart attack, Associate Professor Dr. Selçuk Görmez stated, "The main symptom is chest pain and shortness of breath developing after intense stress. Nausea, sweating, fainting sensation, pain, numbness and burning sensation in the left arm and abdominal region may also occur." According to statistical studies, Broken Heart Syndrome is found in 1-2 percent of patients who come to emergency clinics with chest pain and receive an acute coronary syndrome diagnosis. One in every 2,500 people is affected by this disease. Definitive diagnosis of Broken Heart Syndrome can be made by cardiac catheterization. The difference from a heart attack is that the angiography results show the heart vessels are completely open.

Decline in Estrogen Hormone Levels Triggers the Syndrome

Since more than 90 percent of patients are women over 55 years old, that is, postmenopausal women, it is suggested that the decline in estrogen hormone levels may also trigger the syndrome. It is estimated that 5 percent of heart attacks occurring in women are based on this syndrome. Pointing out that Broken Heart Syndrome occurs 9 times more frequently in women, Associate Professor Dr. Selçuk Görmez noted that this situation is explained by "women's emotional states and hormone levels being more variable compared to men."

80 Percent of Patients Recover Completely

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the syndrome can even lead to death. In treatment, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and diuretic medications that increase the heart's pumping power and reduce stress hormone levels can be used. Cardiology Specialist and Associate Professor Dr. Selçuk Görmez, stating that antidepressants and stress-reducing medications can also be added to treatment based on psychiatric evaluation, said, "About 80 percent of patients can recover without any damage remaining to the heart. However, in the remaining 20 percent of the group, permanent heart failure, and rarely death and serious cardiac arrhythmias may be observed."

Eat Healthy, Manage Stress

Emphasizing that avoiding inactivity, smoking and poor nutrition is necessary for healthy and long life, Associate Professor Dr. Selçuk Görmez shared the following about what should be done to protect heart health: "It is very important to do regular-paced activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming 5 days a week for 30 minutes. We must definitely pay attention to Mediterranean-type fresh vegetables and fruits and white meat-based nutrition rich in Omega 3. In contrast, we should stay away from packaged market products with long shelf life and foods containing excessive salt and trans fats. We should avoid stress as much as possible and make it a habit to sleep continuously for at least 7-8 hours." Drawing attention to the importance of routine heart examinations, Cardiology Specialist and Associate Professor Dr. Selçuk Görmez concluded his remarks with a warning that signals occurring in the heart should be heeded and a doctor should be consulted without delay. Following the discussion, which was listened to with great interest, Yoga Instructor Eda Bir Şimşek conducted yoga for the participants.