'Broken-heart syndrome' patients failed by current treatment, study finds

Patients suffering from ‘broken-heart syndrome’ are being failed by current treatments, researchers at the University of Aberdeen have found.

The study found people suffering from ‘broken-heart syndrome’ – officially known as ‘takotsubo cardiomyopathy - are just as vulnerable as patients who have suffered a heart attack.

The research, which assessed heart attack and takotsubo patients over the course of five years, found current treatments for the condition are ineffective.

Doctors currently prescribe medicines typically used to treat other heart conditions, such as heart failure or a heart attack.

There is presently no expert consensus on how to treat the condition.

It also found takotsubo patients have an increased mortality rate compared to the general population.

This practice has left those such as Michelle Canning who was diagnosed with the condition in 2021, feeling as though she knew “nothing about what had happened to me or what would happen next.”

Michelle was told her condition was most likely triggered by the sudden death of her father, three months before her diagnosis.

Describing herself as “very easy going and emotionally resilient” her diagnosis was “a shock”.

She said: “None of it made sense but the reality is that stress was manifesting itself physically when I did not feel stressed and that’s frightening.”

Michelle, now a women’s health advocate is keen to highlight that takotsubo effects women in greater numbers and is an example of the health inequalities.

She praises The British Heart Foundation - who funded the study – calling them “incredible” as they provided vital guidance throughout her recovery.

Professor Dawson who led the study said: “it is vital we identify precise ways to treat this unique group of people.

“Our data shows quite starkly that we are not treating this condition correctly.

“These patients have increased mortality compared to the general population, an increased vulnerability to developing heart conditions and as much chance of dying from this as people who have suffered heart attacks.

"Our findings are truly unique as we are able to look at prescriptions over a prolonged period of time with world leading accuracy”.

The study has also given hope for a new breakthrough treatment with one drug seemingly producing a “promising therapeutic benefit”.

More research is required before the effectiveness of the drug is certain.

Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation says more research like this study could “save and improve lives”.