The symptoms are the same as in a heart attack, but in the case of a “broken heart” it is not a problem with the heart’s blood vessels but sadness and stress that cause the heart muscle to lose strength. A person with healthy blood vessels can thus be affected. In the worst case, it can lead to death.
One summer day when Kathy Sahlström was taking a swim, she suddenly had difficulty breathing.
– Both I and the medical staff were sure that it was a heart attack. But then the doctor said it was a “broken heart”.
When the doctor asked her to tell about her life, it became clear that she had suffered a personal grief.
Can affect cancer patients
The mechanisms behind it are still not fully explored, but it usually involves patients who have suffered from deep emotional stress or grief. It can also be patients with a serious illness such as cancer.
Everyday doctors also say “broken heart” but the correct name is takotsubo. It is the name of a Japanese pot used to catch squid. The diseased heart takes a shape reminiscent of the octopus trap.
New diagnosis
The diagnosis came in 2015 in Sweden and there is still a lot of ignorance about takotsubo, even in healthcare, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment.
Research is ongoing into how best to treat the patient group. One method is Internet-based cbt where patients must learn to manage emotional stress and thus prevent relapse.
Kathy Sahlström has been trained in stress management after her illness, but she is worried about what would happen if she were to experience grief again.
– Then I think the heart will break again.