When Dr. Hikaru Sato of Hiroshima City Hospital and his colleagues first reported takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a research in 2002, the disorder gained the label “broken heart syndrome” (literally “dead of sorrow”). Nonetheless, it has only been very recently found by experts that one may likewise perish from too much joy. This is also due to takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Adam Taylor, professor and head of the Center for Clinical Anatomy at Lancaster University, argues that the condition should also be known as “happy heart syndrome” in an essay published on The Conversation.
To clarify, please explain takotsubo cardiomyopathy and its fatal consequences. It should be noted first that this condition is very seldom lethal. Most patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) recover fully within a few months, with no permanent cardiac damage, similar to other forms of heart muscle illness.
Named because the primary pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, is irregular in form in those affected by the illness. The term “takotsubo” comes from Sato’s observation that the form, which is narrow at the top and broadened at the bottom, is reminiscent of the clay pots used to collect octopuses The heart’s capacity to pump blood becomes compromised as a result of this dilatation.
In the United States, where the study analyzed data from over 135,000 patients over the course of 11 years, researchers found that the prevalence of this disease was increasing (2006-2017). Most cases occur in those over the age of 50, and 88% of those affected are female.
More people are aware of the ailment, people are living longer, and doctors have better diagnostic methods to spot it, so it’s likely that doctors are uncovering more instances today.
This “broken heart” condition was formerly thought to result from either extreme emotional or physical strain. It is not entirely known how stress leads to a reshaping of the heart and associated symptoms like chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
Comparable cardiac alterations have been seen in patients with illnesses such as pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor on the adrenal glands) and central nervous system abnormalities. Catecholamine levels are elevated in certain states. Hormones including adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine are generated by the adrenal glands. It may help shed light on the potential function of these hormones in takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Patients having cosmetic rhinoplasty and treated with these catecholamines showed the same dilatation of the left ventricle of the heart, which may provide more evidence for the significance of these hormones in broken heart syndrome.
During times of high stress, the body produces more of these catecholamines, which have a role in raising both the heart rate and the force of the heart’s contractions. To some extent, this impact is to be expected under stressful conditions, as the body and mind enter “fight or flight” mode, resulting in the production of these catecholamines.
Receiving terrible news (such as a cancer diagnosis), losing a loved one, experiencing domestic abuse, being in an automobile accident, and even giving a public speech may all bring on symptoms of takotsubo syndrome.
However, in a recent study conducted in Germany, researchers observed individuals with takotsubo syndrome who had symptoms after joyful occasions including weddings, the birth of grandkids, and award wins.
There were 910 individuals in the research, and of them, 37 had joyful heart syndrome and 873 had broken heart syndrome as their emotional trigger for takotsubo. Happy heart syndrome is more common in males than in females, in contrast to the broken heart syndrome which mostly affects females.
In both joyful heart syndrome and broken heart syndrome, the incidence of mortality and sequelae was found to be similar. Don’t stress out about how you’ll feel throughout major life events. It’s quite improbable that they will murder you. However, you should always seek medical attention if you have chest discomfort or pressure.
