A 41-year-old member asked:
Can ptsd and stress cardiomyopathy (a.k.a broken heart syndrome) be connected in any way?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bennett Werneranswered
Cardiology 46 years experience
Probably: Stress cardiomyopathy is a relatively newly recognized entity and i personally have not seen a case but from reports i've read, i would certainly think that they could be related.
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Dr. Peter Banittanswered
Internal Medicine - Cardiology 34 years experience
Stress on the Heart: Stress cardiomyopathy or "takotsubo" cardiomyopathy is a condition where acute stress activates the sympathetic nerves (nerves which release adrenalin-like compounds) and this stuns the heart and can feel like a heart attack. Fortunately the heart fully recovers within 2 weeks or so. Ptsd does not directly cause this condition, but those suffering from ptsd might be more susceptible.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
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Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Soldier's Heart: Dr banitt already gave a great explanation regarding broken heart syndrome (stress cardiomyopathy). Of interest, during the civil war the term "soldier's heart" was coined. This was the label given to what is now recognized as ptsd.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 33-year-old member asked:
So is broken heart syndrome also known as stress cardiomyopathy?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Depietroanswered
Pulmonary Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes: Also called takotsubo's cardiomyopathy because the apex of the heart tends to "balloon" making it look like the japanese term for an octopus trap which the heart resembles when affected. Although associated with significant stressors like death of a loved one, etc.. It can be seen in the absence of these.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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