Are you suffering from severe chest pain and shortness of breath? You might be suffering from a life-threatening medical condition called Broken Heart Syndrome. Clinically known as Takotsubo, Cardiomyopathy can be triggered because of emotional trauma such as a death of a loved one or a miscarriage, or a divorce. Around 2% of people who visit a healthcare provider for a heart attack are diagnosed with Broken Heart Syndrome. The  Journal of the American Heart Association published a study according to which approximately 135,463 cases of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy were reported between 2006 and 2017, of which 88.3% were women. Here is everything you need to know about broken heart syndrome.

What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?

Named after the octopus trap, Broken Heart Syndrome is the weakening of the heart’s main pumping chamber and left ventricle due to severe physical or emotional stress. Because this condition is stress-induced and the heart’s chamber looks like a Tako-Tsubo pot, it is also known as Stress Cardiomyopathy, Apical Cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, and Gebrochenes-Herz Syndrome. There are four types of Broken Heart Syndrome:

1. Focal: This is the rarest type of Broken Heart Syndrome. The affected area bulges out, and the opposite side of the heart curves inwards.
2. Mid-Ventricular: Affecting the middle section of the ventricles, the mid-ventricular looks like a belt or ring around the heart. Whereas the lower and upper portions of the heart function normally.
3. Basal: Like mid-ventricular, basal appears like a belt or ring. However, it affects the upper portion of the heart and makes up 2% of the cases.
4. Apical: Apical affects the heart’s lower half and makes up 80% of Broken Heart Syndrome cases.

Causes of Broken Heart Syndrome

While medical professionals don’t fully understand the factors that can cause Broken Heart Syndrome, you are at a higher risk if you have recently experienced a traumatic or stressful event, are older than 50 years of age, are an AFAB or female, or suffer from a neurological or psychological disorder. Some common causes are as follows:

• Physical Stressors: Stroke, seizures, high fever, low blood sugar, significant bleeding, and difficulty breathing (emphysema or asthma attack)
• Emotional Stressors: Surprise, extreme anger, shock, grief, and fear.

Symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome

The symptoms of broken heart syndrome are similar to the ones of a heart attack. Listed below are the signs that you are dealing with the condition:

• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeats
• Severe chest pain – similar to angina
• Weakening of the left ventricle
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting (Syncope)
• Heart palpitations
• Diaphoresis (Sweating)

Broken Heart Syndrome | Management and Treatment

Broken Heart Syndrome can be diagnosed using medical procedures like an Electrocardiogram or Coronary Angiography. While there is no cure for it, most people recover by taking medications such as ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), Aspirin, and Diuretics.

Final Thoughts

One thing is for sure; it isn’t only love that can break your heart. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, commonly known as Broken Heart Syndrome, is a medical condition that occurs if a person has been through a traumatic incident or extreme stress. Thus, learning stress management and applying relaxing techniques such as lighting scented candles, taking long, warm baths, practicing mindfulness, yoga, eating healthy, exercising, and getting sufficient hours of sleep are some of the best ways to preemptively beat the condition.

What is the cause of broken heart syndrome?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be triggered by a surge of stress hormones, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine), which temporarily stuns the heart. Common triggers include:

• The death of a loved one

• A breakup or divorce

• Major financial loss

• Serious illness or surgery

• Intense fear or anger

This hormone surge affects how the heart pumps, especially in the left ventricle, causing it to balloon out at the bottom—mimicking a Japanese octopus trap called a takotsubo.

Can you recover from broken heart syndrome?

Yes, most people make a full recovery within days to weeks, especially with proper medical care. Treatment focuses on supporting heart function while it heals. In many cases, patients’ heart function returns to normal within 4–8 weeks.

However, recovery may also include emotional or psychological support (e.g., therapy or counseling), especially if emotional trauma was the cause.

What is the survival rate of broken heart syndrome?

The survival rate is very high—around 95%–99%. However, complications can occur in about 20% of cases, such as:

• Heart failure

• Irregular heart rhythms

• Cardiogenic shock (rare)

The risk of recurrence is about 5–10%, so follow-up care is important.

What does Takotsubo feel like?

Symptoms often mimic a heart attack and can include:

• Sudden chest pain (sharp or pressure-like)

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting or dizziness

• Palpitations (irregular or racing heartbeat)

• Nausea

Despite the symptoms, many patients have normal coronary arteries and no signs of blockages, which helps differentiate it from a traditional heart attack on further testing.

References

Journal of American Heart Association. (2021). Sex‐ and Age‐Based Temporal Trends in Takotsubo Syndrome Incidence in the United States. Retrieved from Journal of American Heart Association (JAHA)

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983#:~:text=An%20electrocardiogram%20(ECG%20or%20EKG,attached%20computer%20monitor%20or%20printer.

MedlinePlus. (2022). Coronary Angiography. Retrieved from MedlinePlus