“Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.”  —Nicole Kidman 

When looking for love, heartbreak is always a risk, but you might not realize that a broken heart can be more than an emotional wound.  

Most people, after feeling like their heart’s been torn out and put into a blender, manage to piece themselves back together in time. But for some, moving on feels impossible. And for fewer still, the pain becomes a crushing weight that builds until their heartbeat slows, breathing fades and eyes close, never to open again.  

This brings us to broken heart syndrome, a medical condition as fascinating as it is deadly. If you’re worried about your own health, stop here and talk to a medical professional. But if you’re drawn to strange and unsettling conditions from the world of medicine, read on. 

What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?  

Broken heart syndrome seems like something out of a Shakespearean tragedy. As it turns out, broken heart syndrome — also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo syndrome — is a real heart condition characterized by sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating and dizziness.  

Sounds like a heart attack, right? While the symptoms are eerily similar, an episode of broken heart syndrome is temporary and won’t cause lasting damage if treated. But without medical attention, a sufferer’s heart muscle can weaken, leading to serious complications like: 

• Congestive heart failure 
• Dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities 
• Low blood pressure 
• Shock 

What Causes Broken Heart Syndrome?  

Often, it’s emotional stress: a painful breakup or the death of a loved one. But excitement from, say, being in a heated argument or watching a favorite sports team lose in overtime can also trigger the surge of stress hormones that lead to broken heart syndrome. There are also physical stressors that can trigger the condition, such as: 

• Blood loss 
• Fever 
• Low blood sugar 
• Seizure 
• Stroke 

A notable and unfortunate risk factor is sex. Women, especially middle-aged and post-menopausal women, account for around 90% of cases.  

Meet Our Brokenhearted Example 

Let’s put a face to broken heart syndrome sufferers. Meet Sloane, a fictional middle-aged woman who has just received a gut-wrenching text message: Her one-and-only has broken up with her, ending their relationship with a sad-face emoji.  

Experiencing heartache, Sloane’s body releases a flood of stress hormones. Adrenaline overwhelms her circulatory system, constricting the small arteries that supply blood to her heart.  

Her hand goes to her chest as she begins experiencing all the telltale signs: chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating and dizziness. She brushes it off, preoccupied with losing the love of her life, with whom she shared an irreplaceable love of Thai food, horror movies and a popular local indie band whose name escapes her.      

As the minutes pass and her symptoms worsen, Sloane realizes the danger she’s in. She dials 911 and makes it to the ER, where testing rules out a heart attack. With follow-up care, including medications for heart muscle weakness, she’s on track to recover fully in a few months, so long as she avoids any more surprises. Lucky for Sloane, most sufferers (95%) never experience another episode of broken heart syndrome.  

Don’t Be Afraid to Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve  

Broken heart syndrome is relatively uncommon. Only about 2% of people who seek treatment for a suspected heart attack are diagnosed with the condition. Still, you can always take steps to reduce and manage stress in your life. Exercising, practicing mindfulness and — if you’re experiencing grief — connecting with others in support groups are all great options.  

And if you ever go through a breakup, treat yourself to some ice cream, a long walk and the romantic comedy “500 Days of Summer.” Trust us, your heart will thank you.  

Ready for More?  

We hope we haven’t left you feeling brokenhearted. Medicine is a world brimming with mysteries like broken heart syndrome, waiting for you to explore. And if you’re interested in taking your studies of the human body further, it might be time to consider a career in medicine.   

Study Medical Physiology at the University of Florida  

At the University of Florida, we offer numerous online medical physiology graduate programs ideal for aspiring medical professionals, including master’s degrees in: 

• Medical Physiology and Pharmacology 
• Medical Physiology and Aging 
• Medical Anatomy and Physiology 

There’s also our online graduate certificate programs, each of which can be completed in as little as one semester. And like our master’s degree programs, our graduate certificate programs are flexible and entirely online, allowing you to study at your own pace and around your schedule.  

Whether you’re hoping to fast-track your career in healthcare, education or another field, we’ve got an online program for you. Take a look at our programs, and when you’re ready to take the next step, apply to UF.  

Sources:
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/is-broken-heart-syndrome-real
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-heart-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354617#:~:text=People%20with%20broken%20heart%20syndrome,the%20heart%20contracts%20more%20forcefully.