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Research suggests that the Takotsubo or the “broken heart” syndrome may come with longer lasting effects on the cord than initially considered. According to the study, the heart may not make a full recovery, as it was believed until now.
The new study was carried out by Aberdeen University scientists. They analyzed and monitored some 52 patients presenting the Takotsubo syndrome over a period of four months. Research results are available in a paper in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.
No Recovery from a Broken Heart Syndrome?
Studies showed that the broken heart syndrome could be triggered and brought about by severe emotional distress, for example losing a loved one. In some cases, it can lead to temporary heart failure. Until now, it was believed that the heart could make a full recovery after such an event.
The Takotsubo syndrome symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack. Usually, the problem is diagnosed in the hospital. Records show that it mostly affects females.
The research team behind this new study turned to cardiac MRI scans and ultrasounds. They used these to take a closer look at the participants’ hearts. Mostly, they monitored how this functioned following its being affected by the syndrome.
According to the results, Takotsubo has seemingly permanent effects on the heart as it can modify its beating. The team states that the cord’s pumping motion presented a ‘delay’ in the “twist and wring” movement during a heartbeat. Also, the researchers noted a reduction in the squeezing motion.
Some parts of the heart muscles were also noted to have been replaced by ‘fine scars’. These seemingly reduce its elasticity and keep the cord from properly contracting.
According to the study team, these findings could help explain why people with a broken heart syndrome have similar long-term survival rates when compared to heart attack patients.
“Here we’ve shown that this disease has much longer lasting damaging effects on the hearts of those who suffer from it,” stated Dr. Dana Dawson, the research lead.
Study findings also point out the need for more studies concerning the Takotsubo syndrome and its treatment methods.
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