Monday, June 9, 2025 - A rare heart condition often linked to extreme stress may be more fatal for men than women, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association
Known medically as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or "broken
heart syndrome," the condition is marked by symptoms like chest pain,
palpitations, and shortness of breath. It typically occurs when a surge of
stress hormones stuns the heart muscle, mimicking a heart attack
While the condition has been observed more frequently in
women, recent research analyzing nearly 200,000 U.S. hospital cases from 2016
to 2020 found that men—who made up just 17% of patients—had a significantly
higher mortality rate of 11.2%, more than double that of women.
“This gender gap in outcomes is striking,” said Dr. Mohammad
Reza Movahed, coauthor of the study and clinical professor of medicine at the
University of Arizona. “It raises new questions that deserve further
investigation.”
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is triggered by sudden emotional or
physical stress—ranging from the death of a loved one to intense physical
strain or even a surprise event like winning the lottery. The heart’s left
ventricle temporarily weakens, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.
Researchers believe hormonal differences may play a key
role. Men typically produce higher levels of stress hormones—called
catecholamines—which may result in more severe cardiac reactions. In contrast,
estrogen, found in higher concentrations in women, may offer protective
cardiovascular effects.
Social factors could also contribute. Some doctors may
overlook TC in men due to its strong association with women, delaying diagnosis
and treatment. Men may also delay seeking medical help, assuming symptoms will
subside
“Most physicians know about takotsubo, but many still think
of it as a woman’s disease,” said Dr. Deepak Bhatt, director of Mount Sinai
Fuster Heart Hospital. “That misconception can lead to misdiagnosis and worse
outcomes.”
If not treated promptly, broken heart syndrome can result in
serious complications including blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and cardiac
arrest. Early diagnosis is crucial. When caught in time, TC is often fully
reversible within weeks with appropriate medication
The study adjusted for several health variables such as age,
race, and underlying conditions like diabetes and lung disease. However, it
didn’t include outpatient data or deaths that occurred after hospital
discharge, suggesting the true scope may be even broader.
Dr. Louis Vincent, a cardiology research fellow at the
University of Miami, said the findings underscore the need for better data and
further research into why men are more vulnerable.
“Big
datasets help reveal population-level trends,” he noted. “This one makes it
clear: broken heart syndrome may be more dangerous for men than we thought.”
Experts stress that sudden chest pain or difficulty
breathing should always be treated as a medical emergency.
“Don’t try
to tough it out or wait it out,” said Bhatt. “Every second counts in protecting
your heart from long-term damage.”
While broken heart syndrome is often triggered by sudden
events, managing everyday stress through regular exercise, meditation, or
therapy may offer additional protection, doctors advise.
“Building
resilience through daily stress management gives your body tools to better
withstand the unexpected,” said Movahed.
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