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"Broken Heart Syndrome" - Stress Cardiomyopathy

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Question

I've been through some bad loses this year (relationship, foreclosure) and have had chest pain and shortness of breath. My doctor said I had stress cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome). What are the other symptoms, is it dangerous, will I get it again?

Answer

I am sorry for your losses.

Cardiomyopathy can be a serious condition. In addition to chest pain and shortness of breath, patients can have dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, edema, and in some cases, hepatic or kidney problems.

"Broken heart syndrome" is also know as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is usually related to a cardiac-specific hormone released during periods of stress. It usually is temporary and can revert back to normal once the stress causing the hormone release is alleviated.

It is possible that it can recur if you are stressed again. There are several medications which can help with the situation. The key, now that you know the symptoms, is to seek immediate medical attention and work with your physician on a treatment regimen if extremely stressful conditions recur.

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