A new study has found that "Broken Heart Syndrome", though more commonly diagnosed in women, may pose a greater risk of death and serious complications in men.
اضافة اعلان
Also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, Broken Heart Syndrome is often triggered by emotional or physical stress and can lead to dangerous conditions such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and cardiogenic shock.
According to Healthline, the study suggests that men may have a higher mortality rate from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy compared to women.
“We were surprised by the relatively high mortality rate from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy during our five-year study, as well as the increase in in-hospital complications,” said Dr. Mohammad Reza Mowahhed, the study’s lead author from the Sarver Heart Center at the University of Arizona.
Women More Frequently Diagnosed — But Men Fare Worse
Although around 80% of cases in the study were women, the outcomes in male patients were significantly worse. The reasons for this sex-based difference in outcomes remain unclear, as Takotsubo is still a relatively rare and not fully understood diagnosis.
What Causes a Broken Heart?
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy earned the nickname "Broken Heart Syndrome" because it often follows sudden emotional trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, but can also arise from intense fear, accidents, or major surgeries. For this reason, it’s also referred to as "stress-induced cardiomyopathy."
The prevailing theory is that a surge of stress hormones (catecholamines) — such as norepinephrine and adrenaline — during emotional or physical shock “stuns” the left ventricle, temporarily impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.
While more research is needed, the findings stress the importance of recognizing the severity of this condition in both men and women, and ensuring timely diagnosis and management — especially in male patients, who may be at higher risk of fatal complications.
