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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIn rare cases, broken heart syndrome is fatal. However, most who experience broken heart syndrome quickly recover and don't have long-lasting effects.
Other complications of broken heart syndrome include:
- Disruptions in your heartbeat
- A fast or slow heartbeat
- Backup of fluid into your lungs (pulmonary edema)
It's also possible that you may have broken heart syndrome again if you have another stressful event.
References
- Nef HM, et al. Mechanisms of stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy. Nature Reviews. 2010;7:187.
- Wynne J, et al. Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2902533. Accessed Dec. 8, 2010.
- Brenner ZR, et al. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Heart and Lung. 2008;37:1.
- Derrick D. The "broken heart syndrome": Understanding Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Critical Care Nurse. 2009;29:49.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 14, 2010.
- Martin EA, et al. Endothelial function and vascular response to mental stress are impaired in patients with apical ballooning syndrome. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2010;56:1840.
- Rosenow E (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 11, 2010.
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