Men Twice As Likely to Suffer Fatal Consequences From Broken Heart Syndrome: Study Reveals

Though it may sound like a metaphor from a tragic love poem, “broken heart syndrome” is a genuine and potentially fatal medical condition. This syndrome disproportionately affects women in terms of diagnosis; however, men face a higher mortality rate when affected.

Officially referred to as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, this disorder presents symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and dysfunction of the heart muscle. However, it occurs in the absence of blocked arteries. The condition is usually set off by a rapid increase in stress hormones following impactful events like a relationship ending, the passing of a loved one, a significant illness, or undergoing surgery.

A recent study featured in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that men admitted to hospitals with broken heart syndrome have a mortality rate more than double that of women. The research assessed nearly 200,000 instances from 2016 to 2020, finding about 11% of affected men died versus approximately 5% of women.

“There’s a noticeable trend that although fewer men develop takotsubo syndrome, their outcomes are generally poorer,” commented Dr. Harmony Reynolds, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health.

Understanding Broken Heart Syndrome

Why is there such a disparity? Part of the reason could be that men often experience the condition after severe physical stressors such as a stroke or surgery, while women tend to suffer from it after emotional upheavals. “Those who suffer from emotional triggers generally recover quite well,” noted Dr. Ilan Wittstein from Johns Hopkins Medicine, indicating that stronger triggers are needed to induce the syndrome in men.

The availability of social support might influence recovery outcomes as well. “Continuous stress can keep damaging the heart,” explained Dr. Mohammad Movahed, one of the study’s authors. He suggested that men might not have as many resources to cope with ongoing stress.

Despite extensive research over the years, the exact mechanisms of broken heart syndrome remain elusive. Some experts believe that certain individuals are more susceptible due to factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, or anomalies in blood vessels. While estrogen appears to offer some protection to women, the specifics of this hormonal protection are still not fully understood. “We haven’t quite figured it out yet,” stated Reynolds.

Currently, treatment options for broken heart syndrome are quite limited. “We haven’t discovered any treatments or medications yet that can lessen the complications or decrease the death rate,” admitted Movahed.

Since the symptoms of broken heart syndrome closely resemble those of a traditional heart attack, it’s critical for anyone experiencing chest pain or breathing difficulties to seek immediate medical attention. “You won’t know the difference until undergoing diagnostic tests,” Reynolds emphasized. “Don’t just wait and see.”