Men experiencing higher mortality rates from 'stress cardiomyopathy' or 'broken heart syndrome'
Higher Mortality Rates in Men Suffering From 'Broken Heart Syndrome'
For centuries, the phrase "dying from a broken heart" has been a common theme in tragic literature. However, it seems this notion has roots in reality. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or "broken heart syndrome," is a condition that weakens the heart due to a surge of hormones triggered by physical or emotional stress.
Researchers from the University of Arizona analyzed data from nearly 200,000 patients in the US between 2016 and 2020. While the incidence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy increased slightly for both men and women, females were more likely to develop the condition.
However, a unexpected finding emerged: men had a higher death rate from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, with 11.2 percent of males dying compared to only 5.5 percent of females. The overall death rate was 6.5 percent.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. M. Reza Movahed from the University of Arizona explains, "We were surprised to find that the death rate from takotsubo cardiomyopathy was relatively high without significant changes over the five-year study, and the rate of in-hospital complications was also elevated."
One theory for the higher mortality rate in men is that physical stress-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is more prevalent among men than women. Physical stress, such as illness or surgery, can disrupt the heart's normal function temporarily.
According to the study, complications resulting from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy included congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Because the symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack or chest pain, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is often misdiagnosed.
Researchers hope that their study will raise awareness of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, enabling it to be diagnosed and treated more effectively. "Some complications, such as embolic stroke, may be preventable with an early initiation of anti-clotting medications in patients with a substantially weakened heart muscle or with an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation that increases the risk of stroke," Movahed remarks.
While the study doesn't provide conclusive answers for the gender-based differences in mortality rates, there are several potential contributing factors: differences in stress response, lower levels of social support among men, and the severity of complications experienced by men. Further research is needed to investigate these factors fully and determine tailored treatment strategies for both genders.
- The study on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy highlights the need for improved health-and-wellness practices, as men, despite having a lower incidence of the condition, have a higher death rate compared to women, demonstrating the importance of maintaining cardiovascular-health.
- Science continues to unveil the intricacies of the human heart, with the latest discovery being the higher mortality rates in men suffering from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition often triggered by physical or emotional stress, thereby emphasizing the significance of mental-health in heart health.
- Fitness-and-exercise, in conjunction with a balanced diet, could potentially mitigate the risks associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, as the study indicates a correlation between the severity of complications experienced by men and physical stress, suggesting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for overall heart health.
