Broken heart syndrome and valentine’s day

Broken heart syndrome and valentine's day
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. February 14 has come to be a
day many people set aside to show and expect love in a very special way,
especially among those who are in romantic relationships. The excitement and
expectations among partners are so high and intensely emotional as this day
draws closer.

And the question is can any of these highly expectant lovers
develop a disease called broken heart syndrome?

Broken heart syndrome is another name for a type of heart
disease known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This heart condition manifests in a similar way as a
heart attack (myocardial infarction): the affected person experiences a sudden
chest pain and difficulty with breathing; some people can also vomit, have palpitations
(feel their heart beating very fast) or temporarily lose consciousness
(something called syncope). Broken heart syndrome usually occurs after a person
has been severely stressed physically or emotionally. Emotionally stressful
situations that have been linked to the broken heart syndrome in affected
individuals include a very bad news about their finances (maybe they lost their
lifesaving in an investment); death of someone they loved so much. And what
else can cause a severe emotional stress? A break up of that wonderful,
blissful relationship or any other disappointments on Valentine’s Day could
cause severe emotional distress which may result in takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart
syndrome).
Broken heart syndrome is initially treated as an emergency same
way as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) because of the similar symptoms
which make it difficult to differentiate the two at the onset. However, once
the patient is stable, some important investigations are carried to rule out an
actual heart attack. After this, the patient is placed on bed rest, monitored
and given supportive treatment (like adequate fluids, periodic monitoring of
their blood pressure and pulse, and so on). And the good thing is most people
(over 90%) that develop broken heart syndrome recover completely within 2
months.
Another good thing is this broken heart syndrome (takotsubo
cardiomyopathy) is very rare in this part of the world: it occurs mainly in
Asians and whites (people in the western world). In addition, it occurs mostly
in women who have passed through the stage of menopause. So, don’t be scared.
Your chances of developing this takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart
syndrome) from a breakup or a disappointment today (Valentine’s Day) is very
very low; in fact, it may not happen.
However, don’t invest all your emotions on expecting a very
special romantic treatment today. There are other health consequences of being
emotionally disappointed: you can become depressed for days; if you don’t hold
yourself together, it could lead to a mental health issue such as a mood
disorder. If you have a family history (it runs in the family) of hypertension
or a heart disease and you let the disappointment that may happen today get a
better hold of you, it could easily trigger hypertension or heart disease in
you because of your genetic predisposition.
Being healthy is being physically, socially and mentally well
at the same time. Happy Valentine’s Day; but you should know that showing and
receiving love should be done every day not just on a particular day.
If you found this tip useful, don’t forget to share with your
friends and family with the share button on the top right of this page.
Author: Opeyemi Odunayo; Media specialist for Kangpe.