SPEAKER: Is broken heart
syndrome real?
Here's what you should know.
Broken heart syndrome
is a temporary condition caused
by extreme emotional or physical
stress,
like the death of a loved one.
It mainly affects
middle-aged women and the signs
are similar to a heart attack.
The most common symptoms include
chest pain, trouble breathing,
and irregular heartbeat.
Because broken heart syndrome
shares many of the same symptoms
as a heart attack,
you should immediately call 911.
Broken heart syndrome
is reversible.
Your doctor will determine it's
not a heart attack, once tests
show no artery blockage.
Treatment may include
standard heart failure
medications like ACE inhibitors,
beta blockers, and diuretics.
Your doctor may also suggest
long-term stress management
to keep stress hormones that may
be damaging your heart in check.