An octopus cradling a broken heart. We talk about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy - named for a Japanese octopus trap - in this episode. https://every1dies.org

January 10, 2025

S5E41: How Do You Mend a Broken Heart? Learn About Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy – also called broken heart syndrome – can cause heart-attack like symptoms, most commonly after severe emotional or physical stress.

Can a broken heart be mended? Perhaps if we are talking about takotsubo cardiomyopathy – also called broken heart syndrome – which is stress-induced damage to the heart muscle. Ninety percent of the people with this heart syndrome are post-menopausal women whose symptoms occur after severe emotional or physical stress. Learn about it in this episode.

In this Episode:

03:04 – Obituaries My My Mother Wrote for Me When I was In My 20’s
07:21 – Feeding a Broken Heart: Chicken Tetrazzini
09:15 – Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTS): You Really Can Die from a Broken Heart
24:22 – Epitaph by Merrit Maloy
25:41 – Outro

Understanding Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS)

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or takotsubo syndrome, is a heart event that happens when part of the heart muscle suddenly becomes weakened and unable to contract correctly, causing symptoms like a heart attack.

During a takotsubo event, the heart’s largest chamber (the left ventricle) swells and changes shape. This stops the heart pumping properly and reduces blood flow out of the heart. Symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and weakness. If you have any of these symptoms, please consider this an emergency and get help.

Why is it called “Takotsubo”?

The condition gets its name from the Japanese term ‘tako-tsubo’ – a traditional octopus pot (trap) that looks similar to the left ventricle during a takotsubo event (see diagram below).

This image from The Heart Foundation (NZ) shows how Takotsubo synsdrome gets its name.

The Role of Catecholamines and Estrogen

The exact cause of TTS is still unknown, but stressful events appear to trigger TTS. Researchers proposed an excess release of catecholamines is the mechanism. Catecholamines are neurotransmitters and hormones produced in response to stress, and include dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenalin).

In a Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, catecholamines (neurotransmitters that are important in stress response) cause pressure in the left ventricle to increase, making it balloon out. The heart is then unable to effectively pump blood to the body. (Image: Nature Reviews)

Estrogen is also believed to play a role. 80-90% of TTS patients are women. Estrogen helps regulate the body’s stress response and blood flow in small vessels. Loss of estrogen after menopause may be a factor, as ninety percent of patients diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy are postmenopausal women age 60 to 80.

This is a more academic video that explains the phenomenon of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Managing Stress

Because stress appears to be a trigger for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, it is important to learn healthy coping strategies to manage stress. See our related content where we talk about meditation, exercise, crafting, and other outlets.

Feeding a Broken Heart

A Pinch of Yum has a series of recipes called Feeding a Broken Heart. This one is Chicken Tetrazzini: egg noodles, sautéed mushrooms, roast chicken all baked together with a béchamel sauce. Head over to A Pinch of Yum for a complete backstory and recipe.

Is your heart hurting? This chicken tetrazzini recipe might be just what you need. Head over to A Pinch of Yum for more

Epitaph

Charlie read this timeless poem by Merrit Malloy. It was featured in an NCIS episode when Director Vance reads a poem aloud to the team while mourning the death of Fornell’s daughter. You can watch the scene below.