We all experience stress at some point in our lives and it can be due to varied reasons. The term has become so common that we use it every now and then. You may have stress related to your work, relationships, health issues, financial problems, exams and so on. We have reached a point where people even stress about small things like spilling a cup of tea or getting an unexpected call. It is a never-ending list and we are constantly adding to it. Stress, itself wouldn't be a great concern if it did not interfere with your overall health, but, unfortunately, it does. It is often said that stress can break your heart and you will be surprised to know that this is true. Broken heart syndrome is an actual condition that is caused by excessive stress. Continue reading this blog, by the leading expert specialising in cardiology in Gurugram, to know more about this condition.
Broken Heart Syndrome
Also referred to as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, broken heart syndrome is a condition in which the left ventricle of the heart becomes suddenly weak and inefficient in pumping blood. The condition is triggered by a variety of different factors, stress being a major one. It is due to this very reason that the condition is also referred to as stress-induced cardiomyopathy.
The condition can affect anyone, be it a male or a female, however, women tend to be more susceptible to it. Also, it is pertinent to understand that broken heart syndrome can be caused by both, physical, as well as mental stress and we have specifically elaborated on the latter.
What causes Broken Heart Syndrome?
A person can have broken heart syndrome if he/she comes face to face with a shocking or overwhelming situation/experience. There are several reasons that can be responsible for it. These include:
Is it possible to prevent Broken Heart Syndrome?
Unfortunately, there is no known way of preventing broken heart syndrome, however, there are ways in which you can bring down the risks. These include simple lifestyle changes and developing some habits that help you to manage your stress levels effectively. Here are a few tips that might help you positively.
Frequent breaks from the Internet - The Internet is the best way to stay connected to the world and know everything that is happening around you. However, sometimes you just need to take a break. There is so much news about traumatic incidences and upsetting events that you are exposed to on a regular basis, even though they may not concern you. These can disrupt your mental peace and cause stress. So it’s better to avoid such information altogether.
Prioritise your physical well-being - When you are fit and healthy, it makes you feel good about yourself. It also helps to alleviate the risks of diseases and ailments, which can otherwise add to your stress. Focus on eating healthy and staying active. It is important to keep your weight under check as obesity too can be quite stressful. When you are physically sound, it naturally boosts your mental well-being too
Practice self-care as much as you can - The best possible thing that you can do for yourself is to practice self- care. Pamper yourself with things that make you happy. Take out a couple of minutes to meditate, every day, as it helps to relax your mind and body. You can also join some activities or classes where you can learn new skills such as dancing, baking, swimming and so on.
Do not feel shy when it comes to seeking help - We often feel that expressing our feelings will make us look weak, however, it is not true. When you vent out your pain and emotions, it gives you more strength to overcome the situation because now, you have the support of the people you love. Don’t let your emotions pile up and let them out.
To know more about broken heart syndrome and how it can be managed, consult the best cardiologist in Gurugram today.
Dr. Dixit Garg,
Consultant, Interventional Cardiology
Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram
Dr. D.K. Jhamb, Director & Head of the Department
Interventional Cardiology
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