Broken Heart Syndrome May Be Misdiagnosed

It can be difficult for doctors to distinguish symptoms of broken heart syndrome from other more serious cardiac conditions. In addition, some physicians are not familiar with the condition.

Differences Between Broken Heart Syndrome And A Heart Attack

It is essential an accurate diagnosis is made so the best treatment can be started. Although symptoms of a heart attack and broken heart syndrome can mimic each other, there are also key differences.

When a person presents to their doctor or an emergency room with chest pain, several diagnostic tests may be done. One test is an ECG, which records the heart's rhythm. An ECG of a person having a heart attack will often show specific changes. Patients with broken heart syndrome usually do not have the same ECG changes seen in a heart attack.

Also, when an individual has a heart attack, heart cells die, which causes the release of proteins into the blood. If a heart attack is suspected, a blood test will be performed to check for the specific proteins. People who have broken heart syndrome do not have the same proteins in their blood.

Another difference is people who have a heart attack often have blocked coronary arteries, which cuts off blood supply to the heart and causes part of the heart muscle to die.  People with broken heart syndrome usually don’t have blockages of the arteries.

In patients with broken heart syndrome, additional diagnostic tests may show an enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart. Tests may also show abnormal movement of the ventricle. This is not something that is usually found with a heart attack.

The recovery time for a heart attack can vary, but it often takes a month or longer. Most of the time, patients with broken heart syndrome recovery much quicker and are often back to their baseline within a few day to a week. 

Treatment And Prognosis  

Broken heart syndrome is treatable and most people response well. After diagnostics tests are performed, and conditions, such as a heart attack are ruled out, treatment should be started. Various types of medications are often given to treat broken heart syndrome.

Medications treat different symptoms and aspects of the condition. For example, a classification of medication called ACE inhibitors may be given to reduce how hard the heart has to work. This lowers blood pressure and strain on the weakened heart. Beta blockers may also be administered to lower blood pressure.

If a patient is suffering symptoms related to heart failure, such as fluid buildup in the lungs, diuretics may be given. Since emotional stress causes the condition, anti-anxiety medication may also be recommended. Medications are usually stopped once the condition has reversed.

See Also: Heart Attacks Kill Women Too: How To Recognize The Symptoms