Doctors confirm that emotional pain can directly affect physical health.
If you've ever felt physical pain after losing a loved one and talked about a "broken heart," it might actually be a real diagnosis called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It’s an acute but usually temporary condition that affects the heart muscle, paralyzing the function of the left ventricle. Although the name sounds scary, the heart typically recovers completely within a few weeks, reports TA3.
The condition is mostly triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress. Typical triggers include:
- the death of a loved one or sudden breakup,
- intense fear and anxiety,
- major surgery, injury, or serious illness.
- occasionally, even shocking positive emotions can trigger it.
How does the body react?
When someone experiences intense stress, their body releases massive amounts of stress hormones—catecholamines. These substances temporarily disrupt the function of the left ventricle. Calcium enters the cells, causing excessive muscle contraction. The impairment, however, is mostly temporary. The "broken heart" syndrome mimics a heart attack on the outside. Patients feel:
- sharp chest pain,
- shortness of breath and palpitations,
- feelings of fainting.
According to expert statistics, Takotsubo accounts for about one to two percent of all cases initially suspected as heart attacks by doctors.
Who is at risk?
This syndrome most commonly affects women aged 50 to 70. Menopause and the associated drop in estrogen levels play a major role. Estrogens naturally protect the heart and reduce its sensitivity to stress hormones. Men are less affected by this condition.
"Takotsubo reminds us that the heart is not just a mechanical pump, but also an organ that feels," explains cardiologist Kristína Hudecová. She emphasizes that chest pain should never be ignored, but also offers hope: "Not every 'broken heart' stays broken forever."
Prevention mainly involves a healthy lifestyle and the ability to effectively manage stress, so it doesn’t accumulate in the body over the long term.
