Broken Heart Syndrome

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Broken heart syndrome is  triggered by emotional or physical trauma.  This syndrome is also known as ‘stress induced Cardiomyopathy’. The symptoms are very similar to that of a heart attack but it is triggered by stress both emotional and physical.

The chances of this condition being misdiagnosed as a heart attack is quite high. Global protocol requires someone who is having a heart attack to be in surgery  within 90 minutes. However a person with BHS does not require surgery and it could be lethal if surgery is attempted.

People  who are having breakups or loss of a loved one are more prone to this condition.  However other major stress factors like huge financial loss, loss of job etc. could also trigger this condition.

People in love have elevated levels of Oxytocin. This hormone is also called the happy hormone or the love hormone. A break up usually leads to loss or decrease in secretion of this hormone. This chemical imbalance combined with the stress of the situation often results in Broken heart syndrome.

The broken heart syndrome was first detected in Japan. It is called the TakosuboCardiomyopathy or the Octopus trap. The left ventricle of the heart morphs into a trap like structure.

What is important is to learn to handle stress. There are various was to handle stress – the mostly common being meditation , yoga and other methods that help calm you down.