ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Broken Heart Syndrome

What is broken heart syndrome?

25 September 2025

Broken heart syndrome is a temporary cardiac abnormality triggered by sudden, intense emotional or physical stress, including severe illnesses or surgical interventions.

Takotsubo Syndrome

In broken heart syndrome—also known as Takotsubo syndrome—the symptoms resemble those of a heart attack. However, only a portion of the heart muscle is affected, disrupting the heart’s ability to pump blood, while the rest of the heart continues to function normally or may even contract more forcefully.

Women are at higher risk, especially those over 50 or who suffer from depression or anxiety disorders.

The exact cause of broken heart syndrome remains unknown, but some studies suggest that a sudden surge in adrenaline may temporarily damage the heart. Other possible causes include coronary artery spasms or structural changes in the heart muscle.

Signs and symptoms Broken Heart Syndrome

  • The symptoms closely resemble those of a heart attack:
  • Sudden chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness
  • Cold sweating
  • Arrhythmia

It’s important to note that in broken heart syndrome, the coronary arteries are not blocked, although blood flow may still be reduced.

The good news is that symptoms are treatable, and the condition usually reverses within days or weeks.

However, as with any medical condition, complications may occur, such as:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Blood clots (thrombi)
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Heart failure

Diagnosis Broken Heart Syndrome

Diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as a heart attack.

To confirm a diagnosis, doctors typically use tests like:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): may show heart attack-like changes but without evidence of artery blockage.
  • Blood tests: Troponin levels (proteins that indicate heart damage) may be elevated, but not as high as in a traditional heart attack.
  • Echocardiogram or cardiac MRI: These are the main diagnostic tools and can show temporary dysfunction of the left ventricle—characterized by dilation and loss of contraction—while the coronary arteries remain unobstructed.
  • Coronary angiography: may also be used to confirm that the coronary arteries are clear and help distinguish this condition from other cardiac issues.

Treatment Broken Heart Syndrome

Treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient and managing symptoms, since the condition is generally temporary and heart function usually returns to normal within weeks.

Patients are often admitted to intensive care or cardiac care units to monitor heart function and prevent complications.

Medications may be needed to reduce cardiac stress and improve heart performance. Other drugs may be prescribed if signs of heart failure are present or to prevent blood clots.

A crucial part of treatment is addressing the triggering factors, such as emotional or physical stress. Psychological interventions may be needed to help patients cope with trauma or stress.

Most people with broken heart syndrome recover fully in less than 30 days, though follow-up echocardiograms are important to ensure complete recovery of heart muscle function.

At the Cardiovascular Center at ABC Medical Center, we offer specialized care. Contact us!

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    Ricardo Ostos

    Ricardo Ostos

    Content Creator

    Ricardo can convey complex medical information in an accessible and friendly way so that all of our patients can understand and benefit from it. In addition, he has an empathetic approach, offering information and practical advice that really makes a difference in people's lives. #lifebringsustogether.

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