Think “broken heart” is just a figure of speech? Actually, it’s a real health condition triggered by romantic loss or other emotional turmoil, and women appear to be far more likely to experience broken heart syndrome than men. In a research paper presented yesterday at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting, University of Arkansas researchers examined rates of broken heart syndrome -- a temporary heart condition that causes sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat -- in a medical records database that included 6,229 hospital discharges of patients diagnosed with the condition.
Of those, 5,558 were women and 671 were men, leading the researchers to conclude that women were nearly eight times as likely to develop broken heart syndrome than men (or at least seek medical attention for it). They also found that women over 55 were nearly three times as likely to suffer from the affliction than younger women, although that finding could also be explained by their doctors sending older women to hospitals more often for the chest pain symptom, because their age increases their risk of heart attacks.
While the researchers couldn’t explain why broken heart syndrome occurred more often in women, they speculated that stress hormones probably play a role. They said further research could shed light on why these hormones influence heart function differently in women than in men.
The classic case is “a woman who has just lost her husband,” said University of Pennsylvania heart failure specialist Dr. Mariell Jessup in an interview with the Associated Press.
Despite its name, broken heart syndrome is typically reversible, usually clearing up in about a month or two, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website, though in rare cases, it can be fatal. Part of the heart temporarily enlarges and doesn’t pump well, while the remainder of the heart functions normally or with even more forceful contractions.
Those who head to the hospital with symptoms of broken heart syndrome will get a work-up to rule out a heart attack that usually includes a physical exam, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram. Once broken heart syndrome has been diagnosed, treatment may include heart medications -- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta blockers or diuretics -- for the duration of the hospital visit to help reduce the heart’s workload while it heals.
Contrary to its name, broken heart syndrome can be triggered by any sudden shock, even a good one like winning the lottery or stepping into a surprise party.