‘Broken heart syndrome’ Men face twice the risk of death compared to women

[misskit]

“Broken heart” is not just a metaphor — it is a real medical condition that can be life-threatening. Research shows that men are twice as likely to die from it compared to women.
What is “broken heart syndrome”?


Broken heart syndrome, medically known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, is triggered by severe emotional or physical stress causing part of the heart to contract abnormally, as if suddenly squeezed tightly.


Importantly, it is not a typical heart attack caused by blocked arteries, but sufferers experience similar symptoms such as chest pain, tightness, and difficulty breathing.


Who is more at risk?


Although women are more likely to develop this condition, surprisingly, men have twice the risk of death. A U.S. study analyzing over 200,000 patients found that 11% of men with the syndrome died, compared to just 5% of women.


This shows that while women experience broken heart syndrome more often, men cope with it less effectively.


Why are men at higher risk?


Researchers found the triggers differ by gender. For women, emotional triggers such as losing a loved one, job loss, or emotional distress are common causes.


For men, physical triggers like major surgery, stroke, or bodily stress are more frequent, which tend to impact the heart more severely.


A key reason is that men tend to recover more slowly due to a lack of emotional support. Many men don’t openly express feelings or seek help, allowing stress to silently damage their hearts over time.




How can you recognize broken heart syndrome?


Symptoms closely resemble those of a heart attack—chest pain, shortness of breath, and unexplained fatigue—even when not exerting yourself.


Because the symptoms are similar to a heart attack, self-diagnosis is impossible. Immediate hospital examination is necessary. Don’t dismiss symptoms as “just stress” as it might be a critical cry for help from your heart.




How is broken heart syndrome treated?


Currently, no specific medication or cure exists. Doctors usually provide general heart medications to support symptoms and focus on stress management through therapy, meditation, or simply having someone to listen and understand. Emotional support can accelerate recovery more than expected.




Where does this research come from?


This study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2024, led by Dr Mohammad Movahed, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center.


The research analyzed U.S. patient data with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy from 2016 to 2020 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, aiming to understand the condition’s incidence, high-risk groups, and complications or mortality rates.




The takeaway:


Though broken heart syndrome may seem like an emotional reaction rather than a medical condition, it can be deadly, especially in men and those lacking adequate mental health support.


Sometimes, the phrase “broken heart” is more than a metaphor. Don’t ignore your body’s signals or let “just stress” harm you for too long.

“Broken heart syndrome” — Men face twice the risk of death compared to women

[Shutree]

shortness of breath, and unexplained fatigue—even when not exerting yourself.

Who was it who broke my heart? It must have been a while back.