In the midst of the health crisis linked to the coronavirus, the "broken heart" syndrome is spreading like "I love you" on Valentine's Day among the French. But where does this syndrome come from and what is behind this lyrical expression?
Behind the "broken heart" syndrome, there is no mention of a romantic breakup by video conferencing, but a real disease, little known, against the backdrop of Covid-19. The alert was launched by cardiologist Claire Mounier-Véhier who, in an interview for The Parisian, February 8, 2021, indicates that with the coronavirus in everyone's daily life for a year, the number of "broken hearts" is increasing …
"Broken heart" syndrome, what are we talking about?
Originally named tako-tsubo As early as the 1990s, which means "octopus trap" in Japanese, "broken heart" syndrome is a reaction to an intense physical or emotional event, and in a way takes the form of a heart attack. Symptoms are sometimes similar.
However, the syndrome is not related to obstruction of the coronary arteries. "It manifests itself in symptoms similar to a heart attack, mainly in women who are rather anxious, more particularly during menopause, and in people in a precarious situation. It is a cardiovascular emergency that is still too little known, to be taken very seriously, especially in this period of Covid ", explains in a press release dated January 27, 2021, Professor Claire Mounier-Véhier, cardiologist at Lille University Hospital and co-founder of Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes with Thierry Drilhon.
According to research from the University of Zurich, published in 2015 in the journal New England Journal of Medicine, these emotional shocks result in particular from the loss of a loved one, from a strong romantic break-up, or from the announcement of an illness. They can also be physical: surgery, infection, accident, assault, etc.
Recently, another analysis, this time American, published in July 2020, shows that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of new cases of “broken hearts” has multiplied by 4.58 in several countries affecting people little or not sick from Covid. This is explained by an excess of psychosocial stress and the economic precariousness of many.
"Symptoms to spot, for emergency care"
To prevent this syndrome, physical activity, a healthy diet, good sleep, or relaxation techniques are recommended. But at the first signs, support must be immediate.
Agir pour le Cœur des Femmes states that the syndrome may be characterized by shortness of breath, sudden chest pain in a vice, palpitations, unconsciousness, or vagal discomfort. "
A woman over 50, postmenopausal, in a situation of rupture, should especially not underestimate the first symptoms linked to acute emotional stress. Tako-tsubo syndrome requires emergency hospitalization, to avoid serious complications and allow treatment in intensive cardiological care units. The call of 15 is essential as in a myocardial infarction, every minute counts! », Emphasizes cardiologist Claire Mounier-Véhier.