This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/mar/03/happy-events-cause-fatal-heart-condition
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Happy events can cause potentially fatal rare heart condition | Happy events can cause potentially fatal rare heart condition |
(6 months later) | |
A rare condition that triggers a potentially fatal weakening of the heart can be caused by happy events as well as emotional shocks such as grief or sadness. | A rare condition that triggers a potentially fatal weakening of the heart can be caused by happy events as well as emotional shocks such as grief or sadness. |
Since 1990, doctors have recognised a condition known as Takotsubo syndrome, or TTS, which typically occurs in women after upsetting episodes such as the death of a spouse or parent, the breakdown of a relationship, or being diagnosed with cancer. | Since 1990, doctors have recognised a condition known as Takotsubo syndrome, or TTS, which typically occurs in women after upsetting episodes such as the death of a spouse or parent, the breakdown of a relationship, or being diagnosed with cancer. |
Now research has shown that the same outcome can follow happy or joyful events. Scientists have named the new condition “happy heart syndrome”. | Now research has shown that the same outcome can follow happy or joyful events. Scientists have named the new condition “happy heart syndrome”. |
TTS leads to characteristic changes in the shape of the heart. The main symptoms are breathlessness and chest pains but the condition is temporary and reversible after a few days or weeks. It is unusual for it to occur again in the same patient. | TTS leads to characteristic changes in the shape of the heart. The main symptoms are breathlessness and chest pains but the condition is temporary and reversible after a few days or weeks. It is unusual for it to occur again in the same patient. |
The researchers analysed data from 1,750 patients diagnosed with TTS in nine different countries. Of 485 patients for whom a definite emotional trigger could be identified, 96% had suffered sad and stressful events such as the loss of a loved one, attending a funeral, being hurt in an accident, or experiencing an illness or relationship problems. One obese patient was stricken after getting stuck in the bath. | The researchers analysed data from 1,750 patients diagnosed with TTS in nine different countries. Of 485 patients for whom a definite emotional trigger could be identified, 96% had suffered sad and stressful events such as the loss of a loved one, attending a funeral, being hurt in an accident, or experiencing an illness or relationship problems. One obese patient was stricken after getting stuck in the bath. |
But in the case of the remaining 20 individuals, heart damage appeared to have been triggered by happy occasions including a birthday party, a wedding, a surprise celebration, the birth of a great grandchild, a favourite rugby team winning a game and a trip to the opera. The findings are published in the European Heart Journal. | But in the case of the remaining 20 individuals, heart damage appeared to have been triggered by happy occasions including a birthday party, a wedding, a surprise celebration, the birth of a great grandchild, a favourite rugby team winning a game and a trip to the opera. The findings are published in the European Heart Journal. |
Dr Jelena Ghadri, from University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland, where the world’s first TTS registry is based, said: “We have shown that the triggers for TTS can be more varied than previously thought. A TTS patient is no longer the classic ‘broken-hearted’ patient, and the disease can be preceded by positive emotions too. | Dr Jelena Ghadri, from University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland, where the world’s first TTS registry is based, said: “We have shown that the triggers for TTS can be more varied than previously thought. A TTS patient is no longer the classic ‘broken-hearted’ patient, and the disease can be preceded by positive emotions too. |
“Clinicians should be aware of this and also consider that patients who arrive in the emergency department with signs of heart attacks, such as chest pain and breathlessness, but after a happy event or emotion, could be suffering from TTS just as much as a similar patient presenting after a negative emotional event. | “Clinicians should be aware of this and also consider that patients who arrive in the emergency department with signs of heart attacks, such as chest pain and breathlessness, but after a happy event or emotion, could be suffering from TTS just as much as a similar patient presenting after a negative emotional event. |
“Our findings broaden the clinical spectrum of TTS. They also suggest that happy and sad life events may share similar emotional pathways that can ultimately cause TTS.” | “Our findings broaden the clinical spectrum of TTS. They also suggest that happy and sad life events may share similar emotional pathways that can ultimately cause TTS.” |
Takotsubo syndrome takes its name from a Japanese octopus trap that resembles the distorted shape of the left ventricle of a heart affected by TTS. The condition, which occurs suddenly, causes the heart chamber to balloon out at the bottom while the neck remains narrow. | Takotsubo syndrome takes its name from a Japanese octopus trap that resembles the distorted shape of the left ventricle of a heart affected by TTS. The condition, which occurs suddenly, causes the heart chamber to balloon out at the bottom while the neck remains narrow. |
Scientists are still trying to understand the mechanism behind TTS, which is thought to involve links between psychological stimuli, the brain, and the cardiovascular system. | Scientists are still trying to understand the mechanism behind TTS, which is thought to involve links between psychological stimuli, the brain, and the cardiovascular system. |
In the study, 95% of both “broken heart” and “happy heart” patients were women. The average age of the “broken” group was 65 and of the “happy” group 71. | In the study, 95% of both “broken heart” and “happy heart” patients were women. The average age of the “broken” group was 65 and of the “happy” group 71. |
The study’s co-author, Dr Christian Templin, also from University Hospital Zurich, said: “Perhaps both happy and sad life events, while inherently distinct, share final common pathways in the central nervous system output, which ultimately lead to TTS.” | The study’s co-author, Dr Christian Templin, also from University Hospital Zurich, said: “Perhaps both happy and sad life events, while inherently distinct, share final common pathways in the central nervous system output, which ultimately lead to TTS.” |
Previous version
1
Next version