Medically known as Takotsubo syndrome, it is typically triggered by physical or mental stress, such as the loss of a loved one, hence the name.
The onset of “broken heart syndrome” is typically precipitated by extreme physical or emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one; nevertheless, its exact cause is unknown. Scientists have finally revealed how the brain and heart are linked in this “mysterious illness.”
Researchers have shed light on the relationship between the brain and heart in this “mysterious illness.
It is not fully understood what causes the condition, but it is a sudden kind of acute heart failure that affects an estimated 5,000 people every year in the United Kingdom.
The symptoms and risk of consequences are identical to those of a heart attack, despite the fact that the arteries leading to the heart are not clogged.
In the most comprehensive study of its kind, a team from the University of Aberdeen detected changes in brain regions known to govern emotions and heart rate.
Dr. Hilal Khan, a clinical research fellow at the university, stated, “We have known for years that there is a connection between the brain and the heart, but the function this plays in Takotsubo has remained unknown.
“For the first time, we have discovered alterations in the brain regions responsible for controlling the heart and emotions.
“Further research will be necessary to determine whether or not these alterations induce Takotsubo syndrome.”
Dr. Khan stated that he hopes future study will lead to the discovery of more effective treatments for the illness.
The scientists examined the brains of 25 patients who had experienced an episode of the condition within the previous five days.
Using brain MRI scans, scientists assessed brain volume, surface area, and communication signals between various brain regions.
These findings were then compared to those of matched control individuals in terms of age, gender, and other medical problems.
The researchers discovered that Takotsubo patients had less connections in the thalamus, amygdala, insula, and basal ganglia than healthy individuals.
These regions of the brain regulate higher-order activities such as emotions, cognition, language, stress reactions, and heart control.
The university’s research was presented during the centennial conference of the British Cardiovascular Society in Manchester.
Professor James Leiper, associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, stated, “This research is a huge advance in our understanding of how the brain and heart are inextricably intertwined in this mysterious syndrome and how an emotional event can lead to heart failure.
Carol Duncan, 73, from Aberdeen, participated in the study because she experienced Takotsubo after her brother became unwell and was taken to the ICU.
Because Takotsubo can be triggered by an emotional incident, there is a common notion that it is all in your head, according to the speaker.
“Knowing that researchers detected substantial alterations in my scans makes me believe that Takotsubo will soon be recognised as a physical disorder,” she said.
“I am thrilled to have participated in this study.
It gives me great optimism that scientists are making progress in understanding and treating this poorly understood ailment.
