It is an unfortunate fact of life that most of us will experience the sensation commonly known as “heartbreak” at some point in our lifetime. Heartbreak refers to feelings of extreme sadness, often prolonged, due to an emotionally traumatic event. The term “heartbreak” or “broken heart” is usually used in a metaphorical sense. That is, when we say someone is “heartbroken,” we do not mean that their heart has actually malfunctioned. However, what many people do not know is that so-called broken heart syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a recognized physical health condition.
Much like when people make metaphorical reference to heartbreak, broken heart syndrome is also caused by traumatic life events. These experiences usually involve death, divorce, separation, or romantic betrayal. However, this condition can have very real negative effects on a sufferer’s health. In clinical settings, broken heart syndrome is often confused with a heart attack because many of the symptoms of these two conditions overlap. The main difference is that while a heart attack is characterized by a blockage in one of the heart’s arteries, broken heart syndrome involves temporary swelling in one area of the heart. Such swelling hinders the heart’s ability to continue pumping blood around the body and thus puts the sufferer at risk of heart failure.
If you have experienced a stressful or traumatic event, two initial symptoms of broken heart syndrome to watch out for are chest pain and breathing difficulties. Recognizing one or both of these symptoms can be vital in helping you seek necessary treatment in the early stages of this condition.
So the next time you feel like your heart is breaking in two, remember that it may not just be a feeling but rather a sign of something more serious.
