Causes and risk factors:
The exact cause of broken heart syndrome is not known. However there are varieties of factors that can lead to it. Various events in life like death of loved ones, disappointment in love, sexual abuse, foster care, failure in career etc can lead to stress. Certain use of medications also contribute to it. Addiction to alcohol or other substance abuse also contribute to the causation.
Clinical presentations:
A person with a broken heart syndrome often suffer from complaints which mimic a heart attack. The patient complains of pain in chest, the pain is pricking or throbbing type of pain. The pain can also radiate to the arms or shoulder. Difficulty in breathing occurs. Profuse sweating occurs. Rapid beating of heart occurs.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis can be made on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patients and on the basis of complete psychiatric evaluation. Reviewing of the history is the most essential step. All the details are obtained from the family and friends. Close observation in such cases is essential. Investigations like ECG, Chest X-ray and other blood tests can be advised in cases where the doctor suspects any pathology.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment for broken heart syndrome. If there exists any underlying pathology it needs to be corrected. Counseling and interpersonal therapy is the main line of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy has found to be effective in such cases. Support and care by family and friends will help the patient to cope up with the complaints. Indulgence in positive recreational activity, meditation are effective. If required Anti psychotic medications along with short term cardiac drugs can be prescribed. Recovery as compared to actual heart attack is fast.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating broken heart syndrome. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms.
