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Health Line
16-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Males Two Times as Likely to Die From ‘Broken Heart Syndrome,' Study Finds
'Broken heart syndrome' carries a significant risk of death and serious complications, according to new research. Although the condition appears to be much more common in females, males may be significantly more likely to die from it. 'Broken heart syndrome' is commonly associated with other major complications, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and cardiogenic shock. Men may be more than twice as likely as women to die from takotsubo cardiomyopathy, colloquially known as 'broken heart syndrome,' a new study suggests. Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) seems to predominantly affect females, accounting for approximately 80% of cases in the study, males who develop the condition appear to have worse outcomes. The reasons for these sex-based differences in TC, which is a relatively uncommon diagnosis, remain unclear. Researchers also observed that over the five-year period of investigation, mortality rates associated with TC did not improve, despite advancements in care. '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 also was elevated,' said study author Mohammad Reza Movahed, MD, PhD, an interventional cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Center in Tucson, Arizona, in a press release. 'The continued high death rate is alarming, suggesting that more research be done for better treatment and finding new therapeutic approaches to this condition,' Movahed continued. TC is a temporary heart condition that can be caused by a surge in stress hormones, often linked to intense emotional or physical experiences, such as the loss of a loved one or a car accident. This leads to the weakening and enlargement of part of the heart, which restricts its ability to pump blood effectively. Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on May 14 sheds new light on the prevalence of this cardiovascular condition, but many questions remain unanswered. 'It's definitely hypothesis generating,' said Abha Khandelwal, MD, a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Stanford Medicine who was not affiliated with the study. However, she continued, 'We still have a lot to learn about which patients are really going to present with the malignant form of this condition.' A 'woman's disease' much more likely to kill men Researchers used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), a public database of de-identified hospitalization data, to identify cases of TC between 2016 and 2020. The study identified nearly 200,000 cases during this period, with women comprising the vast majority (83%) of patients—a finding consistent with existing data about the condition. The average age of patients admitted with TC was 67. Demographic patterns emerged in the data, as 80% of cases were diagnosed in white patients, suggesting potential racial differences in prevalence or diagnosis rates. Although men made up a much smaller portion of those admitted for TC, they had more than double the likelihood of dying, 11.2% compared to 5.5% for women. The study could not determine the reasons for this mortality gap, as the retrospective observational design limits researchers to identifying associations rather than establishing causation. However, Khandelwal suggests that the stereotype of TC being a 'woman's disease' may play a role in the worse outcomes seen in men. 'When a disease presents the way we expect it to, people do fine, but it's really the outliers that tend to have worse outcomes. In the old days, coronary artery disease was considered a man's disease. So, when women came into the hospital with heart attacks, they had worse outcomes. So, this is like a reverse of that,' she said. Other cardiovascular comorbidities are common among patients presenting with TC, as observed in the study. The most frequently reported cardiovascular complications included: congestive heart failure (36% of cases) atrial fibrillation (21%) cardiogenic shock (7%) stroke (5%) The overall mortality rate among patients with TC was significantly higher (6.58%) than other patients (2.41%), making them nearly three times more likely to die. TC is generally transient, however. Most individuals recover within two months, with a low risk of it recurring. Still, the study's design and the presence of multiple serious comorbidities make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the persistently elevated mortality rate in TC, according to Khandelwal. 'It doesn't tell you about the clinical characteristics of the people with the patients were critically ill, and there may be other comorbidities that were influencing their mortality. So, it's very hard to know what drove it,' she said. In fact, the authors themselves even acknowledge that the prevalence of TC observed during the study could be attributable to greater awareness of the condition among doctors who might have otherwise recorded it as some other form of acute coronary syndrome. What causes a 'broken heart'? Much remains unknown about TC, including its precise cause, but it has earned the nickname 'broken heart syndrome' for good reason. The condition can be triggered by sudden loss, emotional trauma, or even an acute scare. Khandelwal has seen the condition multiple times in her career, including a case in which a grandmother developed TC after being startled by her young grandchild. Each year, TC accounts for approximately 2–3% of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, and that rate doubles to 5–6% among females. But the actual rates of TC are unclear, as it may be underdiagnosed. TC is generally indistinguishable from a heart attack at the time of presentation. Common symptoms include: To diagnose TC, physicians must first rule out coronary artery blockages — typically using an angiogram — and then use additional imaging, such as an echocardiogram, to detect abnormalities in the heart's left ventricle. While often triggered by emotional distress like grief following the loss of a loved one, takotsubo cardiomyopathy can also develop after physical traumas such as car accidents or major surgery — earning it the additional designation ' stress-induced cardiomyopathy.' Researchers have yet to fully understand its underlying mechanisms. Notably, TC sometimes occurs without any identifiable trigger, further complicating efforts to pinpoint its precise causes. The most prominent hypothesis today is that during an acute shock, the heart is flooded with catecholamines, a cluster of stress hormones including norepinephrine and epinephrine, that stun the left ventricle of the heart. The uncommon nature of the condition along with its unpredictability make it difficult to prevent. 'We still can't predict who is going to get it, and under what circumstances. Is there a stress threshold? We really don't know. And of those who get it, we also don't know which ones are going to get a more malignant form,' said Khandelwal.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is ‘Broken Heart Syndrome': Why men are dying more than women from it
A new large-scale study has uncovered a surprising and concerning trend: men are more than twice as likely to die from stress-induced heart failure—commonly known as " broken heart syndrome "—compared to women. And that's despite the fact that women make up the majority of cases. This condition, officially called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy , is typically triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, or major surgery. It mimics a heart attack, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations—but unlike a typical heart attack, it doesn't involve blocked arteries. Study finds men twice as likely to die from 'Broken Heart Syndrome' than women The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , analyzed nearly 200,000 hospitalizations between 2016 and 2020. Here's what researchers found: Overall in-hospital death rate: 6.5% Women's death rate: 5.5% Men's death rate: 11.2% Dr. Mohammad Reza Movahed, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona, called the high death rate among men "alarming" and emphasized the urgent need for better treatments and more research. Major complications linked to the condition The condition can lead to serious health issues if not treated quickly: Heart failure – 35.9% Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) – 20.7% Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 착용했을 때, 더 뿌듯한 팔찌 유니세프 지금 기부하기 Undo Cardiogenic shock – 6.6% Stroke – 5.3% Cardiac arrest – 3.4% Who's most at risk? Age matters: People over 61 were at the highest risk, but even adults between 46–60 were up to 3.25 times more likely to be affected than those under 45. Race matters too: White adults had the highest rate (0.16%), followed by Native Americans (0.13%) and Black adults (0.07%). Why are men dying more often from 'Broken Heart Syndrome'? Even though 83% of the cases occurred in women, men had worse outcomes. Why? Experts point to a few key differences: Men are more likely to face physical stressors (like surgery or illness), while women often face emotional ones (like grief or job loss). Emotional triggers, it turns out, are linked to better recovery outcomes. Men may also lack social support, which is crucial for healing. Without that support, recovery can be slower and more dangerous. No progress in 5 years One of the most troubling findings? Mortality rates didn't improve at all over the five-year study period—a clear sign that current treatments aren't working well enough. The study also hinted that factors like hospital resources, income levels, and insurance status may affect outcomes, though more research is needed. Takeaway Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may sound poetic, but it's anything but harmless. Especially for men, it can be deadly. These findings are a wake-up call for doctors and patients alike: emotional and physical stress can break more than just hearts—it can end lives. Love Without Limits or Ethics? The Rise of 'Risky Relationships' Explained One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is 'broken heart syndrome'? Study says though prevelant among women, more men die from it
A new large-scale study has revealed that men are over twice as likely to die from stress-induced heart failure, commonly referred to as "broken heart syndrome," compared to women—despite the condition being significantly more prevalent among women. The condition, formally known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy , is triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress, such as the death of a loved one or serious illness. Although it mimics a heart attack with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations, it typically does not involve blocked coronary arteries. As per a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, in a comprehensive analysis of 199,890 adult hospitalizations between 2016 and 2020, researchers found that men had a notably higher mortality rate than women. The overall in-hospital death rate was 6.5%. While 5.5% of women diagnosed with the condition died, the death rate for men stood at 11.2%. Dr. Mohammad Reza Movahed, an interventional cardiologist and professor at the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Center, described the high fatality rate as "alarming." He stressed the need for enhanced treatment strategies and further investigation into the factors contributing to these disparities. Key Complications and Risk Factors The study documented several serious complications among patients with broken heart syndrome. Congestive heart failure occurred in 35.9% of cases, while 20.7% experienced atrial fibrillation. Cardiogenic shock affected 6.6%, stroke was noted in 5.3%, and 3.4% suffered cardiac arrest. These complications, if not addressed promptly, can severely impact patient outcomes. Age also played a critical role in vulnerability. Individuals over the age of 61 were most at risk, although middle-aged adults between 46 and 60 years old were also found to be up to 3.25 times more likely to be affected than those aged 31 to 45. Racial disparities were evident as well. White adults had the highest incidence rate at 0.16%, followed by Native Americans at 0.13%, and Black adults at 0.07%. The Gender Divide: Stress Triggers and Social Support Though women make up the majority of those diagnosed—accounting for around 83% of cases—researchers found that men fare worse when they do develop the condition. Experts suggest this may be due to differences in the nature of stress triggers. For men, physical stressors like surgery or illness are more common, whereas women more often experience emotional triggers such as grief or job loss. Dr. Ilan Wittstein, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, noted that emotional stressors, which are more common among women, tend to result in better outcomes. In contrast, the severe physical stressors that often precede the condition in men could lead to worse prognoses. Movahed also pointed out that men may have lower levels of social support during recovery, potentially contributing to delayed healing and increased risk. He emphasized that unresolved stress might prolong damage to the heart, hindering recovery. No Improvement Over Time One of the most concerning findings of the study was the lack of improvement in mortality rates over the five-year period. This suggests that current treatment methods are insufficient and highlights the urgency of better clinical care and monitoring. Socioeconomic factors such as hospital size, income levels, and insurance status also appeared to influence outcomes, although the study indicated more research is needed to understand their full impact. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and treating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a serious condition.
Economic Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
What is 'broken heart syndrome'? Study says though prevelant among women, more men die from it
Key Complications and Risk Factors The Gender Divide: Stress Triggers and Social Support No Improvement Over Time A new large-scale study has revealed that men are over twice as likely to die from stress-induced heart failure, commonly referred to as "broken heart syndrome," compared to women—despite the condition being significantly more prevalent among women. The condition, formally known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy , is triggered by extreme emotional or physical stress, such as the death of a loved one or serious it mimics a heart attack with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations, it typically does not involve blocked coronary per a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, in a comprehensive analysis of 199,890 adult hospitalizations between 2016 and 2020, researchers found that men had a notably higher mortality rate than women. The overall in-hospital death rate was 6.5%. While 5.5% of women diagnosed with the condition died, the death rate for men stood at 11.2%.Dr. Mohammad Reza Movahed, an interventional cardiologist and professor at the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Center, described the high fatality rate as "alarming." He stressed the need for enhanced treatment strategies and further investigation into the factors contributing to these study documented several serious complications among patients with broken heart syndrome. Congestive heart failure occurred in 35.9% of cases, while 20.7% experienced atrial fibrillation. Cardiogenic shock affected 6.6%, stroke was noted in 5.3%, and 3.4% suffered cardiac arrest. These complications, if not addressed promptly, can severely impact patient also played a critical role in vulnerability. Individuals over the age of 61 were most at risk, although middle-aged adults between 46 and 60 years old were also found to be up to 3.25 times more likely to be affected than those aged 31 to disparities were evident as well. White adults had the highest incidence rate at 0.16%, followed by Native Americans at 0.13%, and Black adults at 0.07%.Though women make up the majority of those diagnosed—accounting for around 83% of cases—researchers found that men fare worse when they do develop the condition. Experts suggest this may be due to differences in the nature of stress triggers. For men, physical stressors like surgery or illness are more common, whereas women more often experience emotional triggers such as grief or job Ilan Wittstein, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, noted that emotional stressors, which are more common among women, tend to result in better outcomes. In contrast, the severe physical stressors that often precede the condition in men could lead to worse also pointed out that men may have lower levels of social support during recovery, potentially contributing to delayed healing and increased risk. He emphasized that unresolved stress might prolong damage to the heart, hindering of the most concerning findings of the study was the lack of improvement in mortality rates over the five-year period. This suggests that current treatment methods are insufficient and highlights the urgency of better clinical care and factors such as hospital size, income levels, and insurance status also appeared to influence outcomes, although the study indicated more research is needed to understand their full findings underscore the importance of recognizing and treating Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a serious condition.
India Today
15-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Men are twice likely to die from 'broken heart syndrome' than women: Study
Men are twice as likely to die from stress-induced heart failure, known as 'broken heart syndrome,' compared to women, a new study has found, despite the condition being far more common among heart syndrome, medically known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress such as the death of a loved one, is a heart condition that mimics a heart causes symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and in many cases, irregular heartbeats. It can lead to severe complications or even death if not treated study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analysed health records of nearly 2,00,000 U.S. adults from 2016 to found that the overall death rate from the condition remained high at 6.5%, with no signs of improvement over the five-year period. While 5.5% of women diagnosed with the condition died, the mortality rate for men stood at a significantly higher 11.2%."Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a serious condition with a substantial risk of death and severe complications,' said study author Dr. Mohammad Reza Movahed, an interventional cardiologist and professor at the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Centre. He called the consistently high death rate "alarming," urging more focused research to improve treatment. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress such as the death of a loved one, is a heart condition that mimics a heart attack. () advertisementThe study found that older adults, especially those over 61, were the most vulnerable, though even adults between ages 46 and 60 were 2.6 to 3.25 times more likely to develop the condition than younger adults between 31 and adults had the highest incidence of the condition at 0.16%, followed by Native American (0.13%) and Black adults (0.07%).Several complications were observed in patients: congestive heart failure in 35.9%, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) in 20.7%, cardiogenic shock in 6.6%, stroke in 5.3%, and cardiac arrest in 3.4%. Movahed emphasised that many of these serious complications could potentially be prevented through early treatment and study also found that socioeconomic factors such as household income, hospital size, and insurance status, had an impact on outcomes, though the exact role they play needs more the exact reason for the higher death rate in men remains unclear, researchers suspect hormonal differences or a higher rate of physical stress in men could be contributing Movahed urged doctors to stay alert to this under-recognized condition, especially in older patients experiencing significant stress, and called for the development of better treatment options to help reduce its fatal toll.
