“‘Broken Heart Syndrome’: More than Just Heart Health – Research Reveals Links to Cancer”
While the severe emotional stress of losing a partner has been associated with heart issues in previous studies, recent research has discovered that 1 in 6 individuals experiencing broken heart syndrome also develop cancer.
The forms of cancer most commonly linked to this syndrome include breast, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and lymphoma cancers.
According to Dr. Christian Templin, the study’s author, “There appears to be a strong connection between broken heart syndrome and cancer. It is advisable for patients with this syndrome to undergo regular cancer screenings.”
Broken heart syndrome is a temporary cardiac condition often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress. It can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack but is not due to a blockage in the coronary arteries.
Patients may experience sudden and severe chest pain, as well as breathing difficulties, which can be mistaken for a heart attack. These symptoms arise from elevated stress hormones, as reported by the Telegraph.
This condition leads to the enlargement of the heart’s main pumping chamber, resulting in inefficient blood circulation.
Broken heart syndrome can occur following highly emotional experiences, such as the death of a loved one or a separation from a partner. While most patients fully recover, those diagnosed with cancer may face a poorer prognosis due to their underlying illness.
Conclusion
Broken heart syndrome and cancer may share several common mechanisms and could be interconnected in certain cases. Therefore, it’s crucial for cancer patients to be monitored for cardiovascular complications, particularly when they endure significant emotional or physical stress.
