A doctor is raising the alarm as people going through certain emotional events in their lives could be overlooking crucial symptoms that mean they need urgent medical attention. Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, is urging people to recognise the signs of cardiac issues that could save lives.
She highlighted seven specific life events that could push a strong enough rush of stress hormones through the blood that it has an impact on your heart. Dr Faulkner added: “People often talk about having a broken heart after a relationship ends, but for a small number of people it can be much more than a figure of speech.”
Relationship Endings and Summer Romances
Ending a long-term relationship is one of the most well-known triggers for broken heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo syndrome. It causes the heart to temporarily change shape, making it weaker and sapping its pumping ability, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Dr Faulkner said: “Following a breakup, prioritise sleep, regular meals and staying connected with family or friends. If you experience sudden chest pain, breathlessness or a racing heartbeat, don't assume it's ‘just heartbreak’, call 999 immediately.”
Holiday romances are often just as quick as they are intense, but the lack of longevity doesn’t mean it can’t have a powerful impact. The doctor explained that the sudden loss of this excitement can elicit a worrying reaction. She said: “Emotional distress after a breakup is normal, but if physical symptoms develop, particularly chest pain or feeling faint, seek urgent medical assessment rather than trying to wait it out.”
Bad News, Family Conflict, and Bereavement
It’s not just romance that can injure our hearts; family problems, redundancies, financial issues, or even a different diagnosis can cause a rush of stress hormones that affect the heart. In these cases, the doctor advised: “Give yourself time to process major life events rather than trying to carry on as normal. Seeking emotional support early can help reduce prolonged stress.”
The school holidays can increase strain on family dynamics, and returning to work after family holidays can add extra stress onto this. All of which can increase blood pressure and strain on the cardiovascular system so learning to manage persistent and shifting stress is vital.
Broken heart syndrome often plays a role when losing a loved one, particularly partners or spouses. Although everyone grieves in different ways, the doctor warned: “While overwhelming sadness is expected, severe chest pain, breathlessness or collapse should never be attributed to grief alone.”
Physical Stress and Happy Moments
Broken heart syndrome can also be triggered by physical stress, as it causes the same hormonal response in your blood. The doctor urged: “Patients recovering from major illness or surgery should report any new chest pain or sudden breathlessness immediately, even if they believe it's part of recovery.”
While broken heart syndrome is rare, there is an even more unique version caused by intensely joyful emotions rather than intensely heartbreaking ones because the heart can’t tell the difference between the two extremes. This can include weddings, surprise parties, family additions or winning the lottery and is known as happy heart syndrome.
Dr Faulkner said: “The risk remains extremely low, but it's a reminder that sudden chest pain should never be ignored, regardless of whether it follows a happy or upsetting event.”
