Stress Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Stress cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo syndrome or broken heart syndrome, is a condition in which severe emotional or physical stress causes a temporary weakening of the heart muscles.

Symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Anxiety

Diagnosis:

• A physical exam
• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac MRI

Causes:

• Physical stressors:
  • Major surgery
  • Severe medical illness
  • Trauma
  • Sepsis
  • Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Emotional stressors:
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Relationship problems
  • Financial difficulties
  • Work-related stress
  • Public speaking

Treatment:

• Medications to manage symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety
• Lifestyle changes to reduce stress, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, and spending time with loved ones
• Counseling or therapy to help manage stress

Outlook:

• Most people with stress cardiomyopathy recover fully within a few weeks or months. However, some people may experience long-term heart problems, such as heart failure.

Prevention:

• There is no sure way to prevent stress cardiomyopathy. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
  • Managing stress
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption