Takotsubo syndrome: know the disease that resembles a heart attack

According to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, heart diseases are killing more people than breast cancer. Among women, about 54% die from heart diseases, while breast cancer is the cause of 14% of deaths. However, there is a syndrome that can be confused with a heart attack and is becoming increasingly common among women. Keep reading and find out what is Takotsubo syndrome.

Read more: What Do Nails Reveal About Our Health? Discover Now 6 Signs Given by Nails

According to Patrícia Lages, cardiologist at the Tobacco Outpatient Clinic at Hospital Vila da Serra, there has been a significant increase in the diagnosis of this syndrome, which is also seen in men. “The stress generated by the current scenario, the fear of contagion of the new coronavirus, the loss of loved ones, the worsening of the psycho-socioeconomic condition, all this contributed to the worsening of the disease”, explains the doctor.

Induced cardiomyopathy, i.e. Takotsubo syndrome, occurs mainly because of intense and acute stress. This is due to the strong rush of adrenaline caused by the transient disorder. In addition, it can also occur due to an apex in the left ventricle, as explained by Dr Patrícia Lages.

Learn more about the causes of Takotsubo syndrome

In addition to the causes seen above, Takotsubo syndrome can occur due to disorders of severe mood and anxiety, depression, systemic arterial hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, among others. If any family member has the syndrome, it's important to check that you don't have it either, as you can pass it on to other generations who have cardiovascular diseases.

For women going through the menopause period, it is also important to pay attention, as there are studies that prove the decrease in estrogen during this phase. It is noteworthy that this is a fundamental hormone for women to protect the vessels of the heart.

Symptoms of Takotsubo Syndrome

There are some stronger symptoms that are important for you to be aware of. People who have Takotsubo syndrome often experience something similar to an acute myocardial infarction. Thus, it is possible to experience symptoms such as chest pain, arrhythmias, sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue and dizziness.

The difference between a person having a heart attack and Takotsubo syndrome is that, in the second case, there is obstruction of blood vessels. For this reason, there is no specific treatment. It is even very similar to the way in which a heart attack is treated.

For this, in addition to medical medications, relaxation and meditation techniques are highly encouraged by professionals. This is because they are important tools to reduce stress, one of the causes of the syndrome.