Many of you might remember Sanford and Son, a television sitcom that followed the misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer, Fred G. Sanford, and his frustrated son, Lamont. While Fred and Lamont owned equal shares in their southern L.A. business, Fred considered himself the boss. However, Lamont often found himself doing all the work and having to prod his father to complete tasks and duties. Fred frequently came up with money-making schemes, which always seemed to backfire and create more troubles. Anytime Mr. Sanford got a bit of bad news, or one of his schemes went awry, he would grab his chest and exclaim, “Oh, this is the biggest one I ever had. You hear that Elizabeth (his deceased wife)? I’m coming to join you honey.” This type of reaction, complaining of chest pain after receiving bad news or experiencing other types of stress reaction, is commonly depicted in television and movies—but it’s not just fiction. It is a mysterious phenomenon referred to as broken heart syndrome.
First described medically in 1991 by Japanese doctors, the condition was originally called takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo is a type of pot used by Japanese fishermen to catch octopuses. When images are taken of a person who is experiencing broken heart syndrome, part of his or her heart resembles the pot. Today, the condition is often referred to as stress cardiomyopathy, stress-induced cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome. Broken heart syndrome can mimic a heart attack, with common symptoms being chest pain or shortness of breath. However, unlike a heart attack, which is generally caused by a blockage of a heart artery, those suffering from broken heart syndrome have no blockage, although blood flow may be sluggish.
According to Charanjit Rihal, M.D., a cardiologist and director of Mayo Clinic’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, and colleagues, the onset of broken heart syndrome is often preceded by an intense physical or emotional event, such as news of an unexpected death of a loved one, a frightening medical diagnosis, domestic abuse or losing a lot of money. Physical stressors, such as an asthma attack or car accident, have also been known to trigger the condition. It is thought that a surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, might temporarily damage the heart of some people, but how these hormones might hurt the heart or whether something else is responsible is still unclear.
Broken heart syndrome affects women far more than men. Some research indicates that almost 9 out of 10 cases occur in women, and of those, almost all are in women aged 50 or older.
Because of the limited knowledge about the condition, no standard treatment guidelines have been established. Until a diagnosis is clear, most people suffering from broken heart syndrome are initially treated similar to a heart attack victim. Many people are hospitalized and the diagnosis is often made in the hospital. Doctors might prescribe diuretics (water pills), vasodilators or beta blockers. These medications may not be required long term, because heart function usually returns to normal. While most people suffer no long-lasting effects, in rare cases, those with broken heart syndrome can die of the disorder.
Some research indicates that broken heart syndrome can occur multiple times in about 10 percent of those affected. However, treatment with beta blockers may prevent recurrent attacks.
Remember that any persistent chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack, so take it seriously and call 911 or seek treatment at the nearest medical facility if you experience chest pain.
First described medically in 1991 by Japanese doctors, the condition was originally called takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo is a type of pot used by Japanese fishermen to catch octopuses. When images are taken of a person who is experiencing broken heart syndrome, part of his or her heart resembles the pot. Today, the condition is often referred to as stress cardiomyopathy, stress-induced cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome. Broken heart syndrome can mimic a heart attack, with common symptoms being chest pain or shortness of breath. However, unlike a heart attack, which is generally caused by a blockage of a heart artery, those suffering from broken heart syndrome have no blockage, although blood flow may be sluggish.
According to Charanjit Rihal, M.D., a cardiologist and director of Mayo Clinic’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, and colleagues, the onset of broken heart syndrome is often preceded by an intense physical or emotional event, such as news of an unexpected death of a loved one, a frightening medical diagnosis, domestic abuse or losing a lot of money. Physical stressors, such as an asthma attack or car accident, have also been known to trigger the condition. It is thought that a surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, might temporarily damage the heart of some people, but how these hormones might hurt the heart or whether something else is responsible is still unclear.
Broken heart syndrome affects women far more than men. Some research indicates that almost 9 out of 10 cases occur in women, and of those, almost all are in women aged 50 or older.
Because of the limited knowledge about the condition, no standard treatment guidelines have been established. Until a diagnosis is clear, most people suffering from broken heart syndrome are initially treated similar to a heart attack victim. Many people are hospitalized and the diagnosis is often made in the hospital. Doctors might prescribe diuretics (water pills), vasodilators or beta blockers. These medications may not be required long term, because heart function usually returns to normal. While most people suffer no long-lasting effects, in rare cases, those with broken heart syndrome can die of the disorder.
Some research indicates that broken heart syndrome can occur multiple times in about 10 percent of those affected. However, treatment with beta blockers may prevent recurrent attacks.
Remember that any persistent chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack, so take it seriously and call 911 or seek treatment at the nearest medical facility if you experience chest pain.
0 comments:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
