Broken heart syndrome - arrythmia

[Vulpes]

Hi everyone

A few years ago during a very stressful time I started experiencing regular heart palpitations. It now happens any time I feel particularly emotional or stressed, at the moment I feel it several times every day.

I saw a private cardiologist once because the NHS wait was so long. He diagnosed me with benign arrhythmia, and told me it had nothing to do with stress. I really didn't believe that at the time because of the circumstances, I was 29 at the time and otherwise very healthy. Only in the last couple of days I've found out about broken heart syndrome but it seems to be more associated with a heart attack type event rather than arrythmia, though I've seen that mentioned as less common.

My questions are;

Has anyone here been diagnosed with broken heart syndrome with only arrythmia?

And is a GP/cardiologist likely to know about this condition? I want to go back to talk to a doctor but don't want to be dismissed again.

Thanks!

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I know very little about the syndrome and would suggest you give the BHF nurses a call.

[Vulpes in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for the welcome and advice, I'll do that!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Vulpes

I would suggest like Michael that you talk to one of the Cardiac nurses on the BHF helpline.

Broken Heart syndrome is known as Takostubo Cardiomyopathy and Prof Dana Dawson is a BHF funded researcher into the condition.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

cardiomyopathy.org/takotsub...

Takostubo Cardiomyopathy tends to occur in women after a very stressful event such as a bereavement.

It can be mistaken for a heart attack.

There are few members of the forum who live with this condition and hopefully they will be along soon to share their experiences with you.

[Vulpes in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for the reply, I'll give the nurses a call

[Silvertail in reply to Vulpes]

Yes, with takotsubo your left ventricle changes shape (like a Japanese octopus trap, which is takotsubo in Japanese.) It was named by a Japanese doctor who defined it in the 1990s. Up until then, and sometimes still is, it was called broken heart syndrome. I'm aware Dr Dana Dawson has been researching and publishing her findings, also there is work being done re the syndrome by some Australian specialists. It is supposed to heal completely within three months, but not always. I still have problems. My first was in 2012, the fourth in May this year.

[Vulpes]

Thanks for the reply and I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you can both find some peace.

My experience is similar, I had lost my little brother to cancer, and within a few weeks was caring for my father who had just been diagnosed with brain cancer. I don't believe it is any coincidence that my symptoms started then and I'm still amazed a doctor would tell me otherwise with such certainty...

Thanks for sharing your story, I'll read about glucose and insulin incase it can help me too.

Best wishes to you and your wife

[Alisbabas]

What a brilliant reply,

[Fynndog]

Dear Blue1958. So sorry to read your post. They are not just dogs they become everything to you. Loosing them is true heartbreak. Only time will help you heal. What a privilege you had being able to hold him in your arms till the end. Mine was Tom also a Jack Russell who looked very like Cam. I mourned for him as much as I did for my beloved Dad. Sending you my heartfelt condolences. Xx

[Silvertail]

No. I've had four episodes of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (correct name) and twice it was caused by severe emotional stress and twice after falls. Symptoms were chest pain and breathlessness