Top News

When your heart is broken, nothing in life seems right. Eating, sleeping, and even thinking become difficult. Your mood hits rock bottom, and the future feels hopeless. But is this simply emotional heartbreak or could it be something more serious, like broken heart syndrome?

Although they may sound alike, broken heart syndrome and feeling heartbroken are two very different things.

You might assume broken heart syndrome isn’t real, but it actually is a legitimate medical condition triggered by intense emotional or physical stress.

This temporary condition is known medically as stress cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The name "takotsubo" comes from a Japanese octopus trap, which resembles the balloon-like shape of the heart’s left ventricle during this syndrome a part of the heart responsible for pumping blood.

Interestingly, it’s not just emotional heartbreak that can cause this condition. It can also arise after serious illness or major surgery.

In essence, stress especially in extreme forms can have a profound impact on both the mind and body. Whether it's due to grief, trauma, or physical health issues, heartbreak of any kind can leave you feeling drained, emotionally shattered, and physically affected.

# Sudden Onset of Chest Pain

Chest pain, medically known as angina, is the most frequently reported symptom of broken heart syndrome. It often strikes suddenly and is usually the reason people seek medical attention.

# Difficulty Breathing

Shortness of breath is another hallmark symptom. You might feel like you can’t catch your breath or struggle to take a deep one. This can happen immediately following an emotionally stressful event. Shallow breathing is also commonly observed.

# Low Blood Pressure

You might not realize your blood pressure has dropped, but symptoms like dizziness, weakness, nausea, or blurred vision could be indicators. The stress impacting your heart contributes to this decline in blood pressure.

# Irregular Heartbeat

An abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, may develop. You might even feel your heart beating differently. This can be mistaken for a panic attack, especially when accompanied by chest pain and breathlessness. Unlike a heart attack, however, the heart muscle isn’t permanently damaged—only one section is affected, causing the rest to contract more forcefully.

# Temporary Weakening of a Section of the Heart

While not something you’ll feel directly, medical imaging can detect weakening in the left ventricle—your heart’s main pumping chamber. This clinical sign is one of the most telling indicators of broken heart syndrome and is typically caused by acute emotional stress.

# Fluid in the Lungs

In more severe cases, fluid may accumulate in the lungs—a condition known as pulmonary edema. This isn’t something you’ll notice on your own; it’s usually detected through medical evaluation.

# Loss of Appetite

For most people, heartbreak triggers a physical shutdown, making eating or drinking feel unbearable. Stress hormones like adrenaline often suppress appetite and even make the idea of food nauseating.

# Eating Very Little

As a result of that suppressed appetite, you might barely eat—perhaps just an apple or a piece of toast all day. This can lead to extreme fatigue and lack of movement, as your body starts conserving energy to cope.

# Overeating for Comfort

Conversely, some people turn to food as emotional comfort, often bingeing on junk food to fill the emotional void. Unfortunately, emotional eating can lead to unhealthy weight gain, which brings its own set of problems.

# Sleep Disturbances

Sleep can become disrupted, often filled with vivid, unsettling dreams or nightmares. The emotional trauma heightens dream intensity, leaving you restless and exhausted—further disrupting your daily functioning.