What is broken heart syndrome and who is most at risk?
Broken heart syndrome, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a temporary weakening of the heart muscle often triggered by intense stress. It is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women, although it can affect anyone experiencing significant emotional or physical stress. Symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack, including chest pain and breathlessness, making urgent medical attention essential.
- ▪Broken heart syndrome accounts for about 2 percent of patients presenting with heart attack-like symptoms.
- ▪The condition is often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one or a traumatic event.
- ▪Experts believe postmenopausal women are more susceptible due to hormonal changes related to stress.
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What does broken heart syndrome feel like? ABy Amy SheehanABC LifestyleTopic:Diseases and DisordersThu 21 May 2026 at 9:07amThu 21 May 2026 at 9:07amThu 21 May 2026 at 9:07amExperts say postmenopausal women are most at risk of broken heart syndrome. (Adobe Stock)abc.net.au/news/broken-heart-syndrome-signs-symptoms-risk-factors/106669028Link copiedShareShare articleWhen Christine Collard woke during the night in 2022 unable to catch her breath, she remembers feeling panicked."You don't know what's going on, which makes you panic even more," says Christine, from Mount Compass in South Australia/Ngarrindjeri (Warki), Peramangk, and Kaurna lands."And I had a slight pain on the right-hand side of my chest."Christine's husband called an ambulance, believing his wife was having a heart…
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