Have you ever heard of someone being so heartbroken it made them physically sick? It might sound dramatic, but there’s science behind it. This condition known as the Broken Heart Syndrome, is a heart condition triggered by intense emotional stress and affects women, especially those over 50, far more than anyone else.
We spoke to Dr Chetna Jain, Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Sector 14, Gurugram, who explained this syndrome and its causes.
"Broken heart syndrome may sound poetic, but medically, it's a serious condition known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. What’s striking is that over 90% of cases occur in women, predominantly those over 50," said Dr Jain.
What Is Broken Heart Syndrome?
"Broken Heart Syndrome is a temporary heart condition in which a part of the heart muscle is weakened or 'stunned' all of a sudden. It is usually caused by severe emotional or physical stress, including the loss of a loved one, a traumatic operation, or extreme fear. It mimics the symptoms of a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and ECG changes," explained Dr Jain. However, unlike a heart attack, it is not the result of blocked arteries. Most patients are back to normal within weeks, but in some instances, it can be fatal.
Also Read: Heart Attack Or A Broken Heart Syndrome: How To Tell The Difference
The Oestrogen Connection: Why Postmenopausal Women Are at Increased Risk
Oestrogen has a protective effect on most body systems, including the cardiovascular system. It keeps blood vessels flexible, encourages healthy circulation, and reduces the stress response. When oestrogen levels decrease after menopause:
- The heart becomes increasingly susceptible to stress hormones, such as adrenaline.
- Blood vessels can narrow or spasm more readily, impairing circulation.
- The body's capacity to control blood pressure and heart rate during stress decreases.
- This hormonal decrease renders postmenopausal women less resilient to sudden emotional or physical shocks, a major reason why women over 50 are disproportionately hit.
Emotional Health and Gender Differences in Stress Response
"In general, women are more emotionally sensitive and may experience emotional pain more profoundly. Research indicates that the female brain responds more intensely to emotional stimuli and generally possesses stronger memory links to emotional experiences than men," explained Dr Jain. A study published in Memory found that women generally have higher emotional memory performance than men, which is thought to result from neurobiological differences in emotional sensitivity.
Combine this with the life-stage challenges that many women experience after 50, including empty nest syndrome, loss of a spouse, caregiving responsibilities, and retirement anxiety. Chronic stress or an acute emotional experience in an already hormonally susceptible heart can be a perfect storm for inducing this syndrome.
Also Read: How Is Emotional Exhaustion Different From Physical Fatigue? 5 Key Differences To Spot
Other Contributing Factors
- Increased Sympathetic Nervous System Activity: With ageing, the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems' balance changes, enhancing the body's response to stress.
- Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Menopause is associated with increased levels of systemic inflammation, which can injure blood vessels and cardiac tissue.
- Undiagnosed Depression or Anxiety: Mental illnesses are more common in women and tend to be underdiagnosed during midlife.
Can Broken Heart Syndrome Be Prevented?
Although the condition cannot always be foreseen, some things can reduce risk:
- Regular cardiovascular testing, especially following menopause.
- Stress-reduction exercises, including yoga, meditation, or therapy.
- Cardiovascular and hormonal health-enhancing exercise.
- If necessary, provide consultation on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) under medical supervision.
It is important that gynaecologists and health care providers on a regular check-up visit ask about emotional health because it has a close association with hormonal and cardiac status in middle-aged women.
Bottomline
Dr Jain concluded, "Broken Heart Syndrome is a vivid example of how emotional trauma can manifest physically and why women over 50, navigating hormonal shifts and emotional life changes, are at greater risk. As gynaecologists, our role extends beyond reproductive health — supporting the whole woman, heart and all, especially in the postmenopausal years. Let’s continue the conversation, encourage emotional check-ins, and prioritise heart health as a vital part of women’s wellness at every age."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]