A broken heart can be serious
14 February 2018
Did you know that there is such a thing as a broken heart? Broken heart syndrome is real and is often triggered by stressful situations such as news of bereavement, domestic abuse, arguments, job loss, divorce and also physical stressors such as an accident or an asthma attack. It can even be triggered by receiving good news such as winning the lottery or a surprise party. The condition is believed to affect around 3,000 people in the UK each year and is more common in women over the age of 50.
It is thought that broken heart syndrome may be caused by a surge of stress hormones resulting in part of the heart weakening temporarily and disrupting the normal pumping function.
Experts believe that genetics may make some people more likely to get broken heart syndrome than others.
The symptoms relating to broken heart syndrome include low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Time does not always mend a broken heart, according to research from the British Heart Foundation as scarring can be left, which reduces the elasticity of the heart preventing it from fully contracting. It is however possible for the condition to reverse itself in a matter of days or weeks. Treatments for the condition may include beta-blockers, diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
If you think you may be suffering from broken heart syndrome then you may wish to seek further advice from our private GPs or alternatively book a consultation with one of our cardiology consultants, enquiries can be made either online or by calling 01293 778906.