Happy Valentine’s Day
to everyone. I believe that we are still on valentine season. 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.
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For more advice and
help, feel free to ask a Doctor on Kangpe.
About The Writer
Opeyemi Odunayo, is a digital strategist for Kangpe healthcare. Kangpe healthcare is a startup that serves Nigerians by connecting patients with doctors online.
He write lifestyle/health articles your readers may be interested in.
Click here to visit or contact him
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