Why Men Are More Likely to Die of a Broken Heart
Broken heart syndrome is a real medical problem. Doctors also call it takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It happens when a person goes through sudden stress — like losing a loved one, getting very sick, or going through a big shock. This stress causes the heart to stop working normally for a short time.
Why Men Are More Likely to Die of a Broken Heart
What is Broken Heart Syndrome?
Broken heart syndrome is a real medical problem. Doctors also call it takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It happens when a person goes through sudden stress — like losing a loved one, getting very sick, or going through a big shock. This stress causes the heart to stop working normally for a short time.
People with this condition feel symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fast heartbeat. It often looks like a heart attack. But it is not caused by blocked heart arteries. Instead, it is caused by a surge of stress hormones that affect the heart’s pumping.
What Did the New Study Find?
A large study in the United States looked at nearly 200,000 adults who had this condition between 2016 and 2020. The study found that:
The death rate for men was 11.2%
The death rate for women was 5.5%
This means men are twice as likely to die from broken heart syndrome compared to women.
Other problems that were common in both men and women included heart failure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, cardiac arrest, and shock. But these were more serious in men.
Why Are Men More Likely to Die?
There are several reasons doctors believe this happens:
1. The kind of stress is different
Women often get broken heart syndrome after emotional stress, such as the death of a family member or a fight. Men, however, are more likely to get it after physical stress, such as surgery, an infection, or serious injury. Physical stress may cause more damage to the heart and make recovery harder.
2. Hormones affect the heart
Women have more estrogen, a hormone that helps protect the heart during stress. Men have less of this hormone, so their hearts may not have the same protection. This could make it harder for men to recover after an emotional or physical shock.
3. Men may not ask for help
Doctors say men often do not seek emotional support or talk about their stress. They may feel they need to handle problems alone. Without support from family or friends, their stress can stay high, which puts more pressure on the heart.
4. Doctors may not expect this in men
Because broken heart syndrome happens more often in women, doctors may not look for it quickly in men. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. Some doctors may even mistake it for another problem, which can affect the chances of recovery.
What Should You Do?
If you or someone you know feels chest pain, breathlessness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat — especially after a stressful event — go to the hospital quickly. Do not ignore these symptoms. Both men and women can get this condition, but men may be at higher risk of serious problems.
Taking care of your heart means more than just eating well or exercising. It also means managing stress, getting support from loved ones, and going for check-ups, especially after a big illness or emotional shock.
In Summary
Men are more likely than women to die from broken heart syndrome. This may be because of how their bodies react to stress, the type of stress they face, and how they deal with emotions. Knowing the signs and getting early treatment can help save lives.
Sources:
Yahoo Life: Men Are More Likely Than Women to Die of a Broken Heart, Study Finds
The Economic Times: Men face double the risk of death from broken heart syndrome
People Magazine: Men Are Twice as Likely as Women to Die Due to Broken Heart Syndrome
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