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Broken Heart Syndrome

Dr. Alrich L. Gray // Central Montana Heart & Vascular Institute

Broken Heart Syndrome

Broken heart syndrome, also called stress cardiomyopathy, is a heart condition triggered by stressful situations; extreme stress can reduce the heart’s pumping ability. The symptoms of broken heart syndrome are similar to those of a heart attack, and they include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Arrhythmia (irregular beating of the heart)
  • Fainting
  • Low blood pressure

Your doctor will treat broken heart syndrome with medications, including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, or diuretics. These medications will alleviate the workload on your heart.