95% of broken hearts heal

Cardiology specialist Dr Çağdaş Arslan provided important information about the rare heart damage called ‘broken heart syndrome’. Dr. Arslan said the syndrome mimics a heart attack because of the sudden onset of chest pain and similar findings with a heart attack on the EKG taken at the time of diagnosis, but it differs from a heart attack because there is no obstruction in the coronary arteries during angiography.

Noting that it was no coincidence that the name ‘broken heart’ was given, Dr Arslan said: “Love, especially the feeling of falling in love, increases and decreases the hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins that bring vitality and peace. the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline negatively affect the body. This accelerates blood flow and suppresses the inflammatory response in the body, increasing arteriosclerosis. Unlike intermittent palpitations, there is a decrease in average heart rate and blood pressure. These changes decrease also reduce the risk of developing a heart attack and even extend the heart’s lifespan Arslan added that the ballooning into the heart that occurs during the illness is also called “Takotsubo” because it resembles the craft used by Japanese fishermen used to hunt octopus.

Dr Arslan stated that while the exact cause of the syndrome is not known, it is believed to occur due to condensation in the heart muscle, especially in the apex of the left ventricle, due to fluctuations in stress response hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. released during times of stress. He also said that experiencing severe trauma, serious physical illness and major surgery can cause this syndrome.

“95% of patients see improvement”

Dr. Dr. Arslan stated that the treatments applied are supportive treatments, while in mild patients, no treatment is even needed, but in severe cases, aggressive treatments can be applied to support the heart functions. Dr. Arslan said: “In some cases, permanent damage to the heart can occur and these should be followed up for lifelong heart failure. Therefore, patients should be followed up with routine checkups after the diagnosis phase.