LONELY HEARTS
You probably won’t die from a broken heart, but a new study finds it could contribute to a future cancer diagnosis.

It attacks out of nowhere, with little warning and, usually, no definitive cause. We’re not talking about cancer, but takotsubo syndrome, aka broken heart syndrome. A July 2019 study released by the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that one in six people diagnosed with broken heart syndrome will eventually receive a cancer diagnosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, broken heart syndrome is characterized by a disruption in the heart’s normal pumping functioning, specifically caused by stress—either physical (like a serious medical condition requiring surgery) or emotional (like the death of a loved one, or preexisting mental illness such as depression or anxiety). Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain, and will usually resolve in a few days. “These emotional and physical stresses have the effect of weakening the heart’s ability to pump blood out to the rest of the body,” says Dr. Constantine Mantz, a radiation oncologist. “[It] also can cause spasm of the coronary blood vessels feeding the heart, leading to chest pain and possibly heart attacks.”

Broken heart syndrome is considered a “temporary condition” by the Mayo Clinic, but according to Mantz, “There is a very high incidence of cancer among these patients, […] far above what we see in the general population.” Even when patients recover from broken heart syndrome, their health should remain a top priority, and they should regularly be screened for cancer. Cancers with the highest occurrence in the study were breast cancer, followed by cancers of the gastrointestinal system, respiratory tract, internal sex organs, and skin.

One population, however, is at an even greater risk: Due to hormonal changes experienced by women over 50, menopause appears to be a contributing factor linking broken heart syndrome and cancer. “[These changes] are very drastic,” says Mantz, “and there’s no correlate in men.” Noting the July 2019 study, Mantz says that menopausal symptoms like increased anxiety and worsening depression resulted in 88 percent of those diagnosed with both broken heart syndrome and cancer to be women.

Due to hormonal changes experienced by women over 50, menopause appears to be a contributing factor linking broken heart syndrome and cancer.

According to Mantz, the recommended regime to stave off broken heart syndrome looks incredibly similar to those recommendations against cancer. “Proper diet, exercise, devoting time for relaxation techniques and other methods of alleviating stress appear on a very basic level to reduce these risks of anxiety, depression, medical illness, all of which [are] further linked to broken heart syndrome,” he says.

More studies need to be done to properly understand the link between broken heart syndrome and cancer. What doctors can do now is treat the damage done to the heart, recognize their patient’s higher likelihood of developing cancer, and recommend specialists when necessary. “We’re just beginning to understand how to diagnose it and treat some of the effects on the heart,” says Mantz. “There’s still obviously a long way to go.”

More
articles

BEAR NECESSITIES
(Y)our Stories

Bear-able Hope

Bear Necessities raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, but until a cure is discovered once and for all, this nonprofit is on a quest to make each child’s day shine a little bit brighter.

Read More »
PLAN OF CARE
(Y)our Stories

Shaken, but Not Stirred

A plan of care is important after a diagnosis, but even more important is making your voice heard during the process so you can receive the care that’s right for you.

Read More »
(Y)our Stories

Blessings of a Third Life

The new documentary “True North” follows adventurer Sean Swarner from the hospital beds of his youth to the top of Mount Everest—and beyond.

Read More »
Livia Boutique Breast Cancer
(Y)our Stories

Livia, Laugh, Love

Marbled walls, glowing white shelves and splashes of pink throughout make Livia Boutique a picture of modern elegance. Featuring products uniquely tailored to the cancer experience, this safe space in the heart of New York City offers breast cancer warriors and thrivers a way to connect, relax and support each other throughout their journeys.

Read More »
DR KAREN WONDER
Complementary Medicine

Setting the Standard

Founder and CEO of Maple Tree Cancer Alliance Dr. Karen Wonders stresses the importance of exercise becoming an accessible part of the national standard of care for cancer.

Read More »