Diagnosis: Broken Heart Syndrome | By Lim Zhen Ping
Illustrated by Emelyne (@realm_of_makia)
In the month of February, when the air is saturated with the fragrance of roses and the aisles are decked with heart-shaped chocolates, love is often perceived as a melody. However, in between the intricate emotions, sometimes things may take an unexpected turn, a scratch on the record, leading us to Broken Heart Syndrome.
Beyond the metaphorical twists, there exists a genuine medical condition. Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, is not your typical heart condition. It's like a plot twist in a romantic movie, but in real life. The word ‘takotsubo’ originates from a Japanese octopus trap which resembles a bulbous round-bottomed pot. With this condition, the left ventricle of the heart — the chamber which pumps blood to all your body parts — becomes enlarged and partly paralysed and takes on a similar shape to the pot. This change causes the heart muscle to become weaker and not pump blood as well as it should.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy from St. Vincent’s Hospital
Based on Harvard Health Publishing and Cleveland Clinic, the exact cause of Broken Heart Syndrome is unclear, but a surge of stress hormones might damage the heart. Picture this: a surge of stress hormones, like the ones you feel during a horror movie jump scare, can actually damage your heart. This means that a sudden breakup, a major exam, or even a terrifying movie could potentially trigger this condition. While emotional stress can trigger Broken Heart Syndrome, it can also be caused by severe physical stress, such as a serious illness, surgery, or a sudden broken bone. It's like your heart saying, "Plot twist! I need a break." The symptoms of Broken Heart Syndrome can be as severe as a real heart attack. Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat are all part of it. But the difference is it's usually temporary, and most people recover completely, just like in the happy ending of a movie. In some very rare cases, Broken Heart Syndrome can be fatal.
Believe it or not, it's more common in women aged 58 to 75. Times Magazine also stated that men were 90% more likely to die in the first three months after bereavement. Similar to an unforeseen plot twist in a movie, it can occur in individuals of any age, gender, or background.
The good news is just like the hero or heroine in a movie, most people with Broken Heart Syndrome recover with no long-term heart damage. With the right care, they bounce back to life prepared to take on future endeavours, mirroring the main character in a movie sequel. So, while Broken Heart Syndrome may seem like a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, it's important to remember that with the right support and care, your story can have a happy ending too.
Now that we've explored the metaphorical and medical dimensions of heartbreak, let's delve into the essential realm of healing. To prevent an episode of Broken Heart Syndrome, consider some of these heart-healing tips:
1. Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with compassion and kindness throughout the healing journey. Remember that all healing takes time, and it's okay to take things slow.
2. Manage stress: Take time to do things that make you feel good, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to music. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or exercise can help too.
3. Seek support: Talk to family, friends, or a mental health professional about your emotions to help you feel less alone.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure you get enough sleep. Spend time with nature, connect with your body, and nourish yourself with healthy food.
5. Take care of your heart: Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other heart health indicators.
In summary, Broken Heart Syndrome is like a real-life plot twist that can affect anyone, especially during stressful times. While it can be alarming, it's usually temporary, and with the right care, most people recover completely. By nurturing both your emotional and physical well-being, you can emerge from heartbreak with newfound strength and resilience, ready to face the challenges and joys that life brings. So, take care of your heart, not just on Valentine's Day, but every day, and remember that even the most unexpected plot twists can lead to a happy ending.
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