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Broken Heart Syndrome Kills Men at Twice the Rate of Women

Men die from broken heart syndrome at twice the rate of women, with an 11% mortality rate compared to 5.5% for women.

Men die from broken heart syndrome at twice the rate of women, with an 11% mortality rate compared to 5.5% for women.

Men are dying from broken heart syndrome, a condition triggered by extreme physical or emotional stress, at more than twice the rate of women, according to a University of Arizona study. This alarming trend highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the condition, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

While women are more likely to develop broken heart syndrome, men have a significantly higher mortality rate, with approximately 11% dying from the condition compared to 5.5% of women. The study suggests that men often develop the condition after physical stress, such as surgery or infection, which may contribute to the higher mortality rate.

Broken heart syndrome can be triggered by a range of factors, including emotional events like the loss of a loved one or a breakup, physical stress like serious illness, and sudden shocks like a car accident or extreme fear. In rare cases, even positive stress, such as winning the lottery or a surprise party, can trigger the condition.

The symptoms of broken heart syndrome can be similar to those of a heart attack, making prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial. Early recognition and intervention can help reduce the risk of complications, including heart failure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.

Raising awareness about broken heart syndrome and its triggers is crucial to preventing unnecessary deaths and complications, especially among men, who are disproportionately affected by this condition. Early recognition and education can help save lives.

http://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.037219