There is a medical condition known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that is often called “broken heart syndrome,” and doctors say it can easily be mistaken for a heart attack because the symptoms can feel almost identical.
The condition affects the left ventricle of the heart, which is the main pumping chamber. When this happens, the ventricle weakens, changes shape, and becomes enlarged, making it harder for the heart to pump blood properly around the body.
Doctors do not fully understand the exact cause, but many experts believe it is triggered by a sudden surge of stress hormones. This can happen after emotional stress, shock, grief, or even extreme anxiety, which temporarily affects the heart muscle.
Because the condition affects the heart in a similar way to a heart attack, many people believe they are having a heart attack when symptoms begin. This is why medical tests are necessary to tell the difference between the two conditions.
Common symptoms include sudden chest pain, pressure or tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, feeling faint, and nausea. These symptoms should always be taken seriously.
To diagnose the condition, doctors may perform blood tests, ECG tests, echocardiograms, coronary angiograms, or MRI scans to rule out a heart attack and confirm the diagnosis.
Some people appear to be more at risk of developing the condition, including women, people over the age of 50, and people who already have mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Doctors say that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical help immediately, because it is important to rule out a heart attack and receive proper treatment.
