"Deadly Heart Condition: Men's Higher Risk From Broken Heart Syndrome"

Men Face Higher Risk of Death from Heart Condition, Study Finds

Dealing with a broken heart is a common experience after a significant loss or breakup. While most people eventually heal from emotional pain, for some, a broken heart can lead to serious health issues. The American Heart Association's 2025 report reveals that over 940,000 deaths in 2022 were related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). While heart disease and heart attacks are common causes of death, experts warn that there are other life-threatening heart conditions to be aware of.

Study Highlights Men's Higher Risk of Death from Broken Heart Syndrome

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates that men are more likely to die from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, compared to women. This condition, described by the Cleveland Clinic as a temporary weakening of the heart muscle, often occurs after a sudden stressor, either physical or emotional, and affects about 2% of patients with suspected heart attacks.

Researchers from the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Center and Medical College conducted one of the largest studies assessing in-hospital death rates and complications of broken heart syndrome over five years. Their analysis of health records for nearly 200,000 American adults diagnosed with the condition between 2016 and 2020 revealed a 6.5% death rate.

Gender Disparities in Broken Heart Syndrome

Although women were more likely to experience broken heart syndrome, the study found that men were twice as likely to die from it. The research identified common complications among patients, including congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Lead researcher Dr. M. Reza Movahed expressed concern over the high death rate associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and emphasized the need for further research to improve treatment outcomes and develop new therapeutic strategies for the condition.

Age and Gender Influence on Heart Condition

The study revealed that individuals over 61 years old had the highest incidence rates of broken heart syndrome. However, adults between 46 and 60 years old experienced significantly higher incidence rates compared to those between 31 and 45 years old. Dr. Movahed suggested exploring management strategies for patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and understanding the gender-based differences in death rates associated with the condition.

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