“Broken Heart” syndrome is on the rise, mysteriously, due to the pandemic. Amid the health crisis linked to the coronavirus, the “broken heart” syndrome is spreading like “I love you” on Valentine’s Day among the French.
But where does this syndrome come from and what is behind this lyrical expression? Behind the “broken heart” syndrome, there is no mention of a romantic breakup by video conferencing, but an actual disease, little known, against the backdrop of Covid-19.
The alert was launched by cardiologist Claire Mounier-Véhier who, in an interview for Le Parisien, February 8, 2021, indicates that with the coronavirus in everyone’s daily life for a year, the number of “broken hearts” increases…
“Broken heart” syndrome, what are we talking about?
Originally named tako-tsubo in the 1990s, which means “octopus trap” in Japanese, “broken heart” syndrome is a reaction to an intense physical or emotional event. It somehow takes the form of a heart stroke. Symptoms are sometimes similar.
However, the syndrome is not related to the obstruction of the coronary arteries. “It manifests itself in symptoms similar to a heart attack, mainly in women who are rather anxious, more particularly during menopause, and in people in a precarious situation. It is a cardiovascular emergency still too little known, to be taken very seriously, especially in this period of Covid”. He explained this in a press release dated January 27, 2021, Professor Claire Mounier-Véhier, cardiologist, University Hospital of Lille and co-founder of Acting for the Heart of Women Thierry Drilhon.
According to a research paper of the University of Zurich, these emotional shocks result from losing a loved one, a robust romantic breakup, or even an announcement of a disease. They can also be physical: surgery, infection, accident, assault, etc.
Recently, another analysis, this time American, published in July 2020, shows that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of new cases of “broken hearts” has multiplied by 4.58 in several countries affecting people little or not sick from Covid. This is explained by an excess of psychosocial stress and the economic precariousness of many.
“Symptoms to spot, for emergency care”
Physical activity, a healthy diet, good sleep, or relaxation techniques are recommended to prevent this syndrome. But at the first signs, support must be immediate.
Agir pors le Cœur des Femmes states that the syndrome may be characterized by shortness of breath, sudden chest pain in a vice, palpitations, loss of consciousness, or vagal discomfort. “
A woman over 50, menopausal, should significantly not underestimate the first symptoms linked to acute emotional stress in a situation of rupture. Tako-tsubo syndrome requires emergency hospitalization to avoid severe complications and to allow treatment in intensive cardiological care units. The call of 15 is essential as in myocardial infarction, every minute counts!