Men Face Higher Death Rates from Broken Heart Syndrome, Study Finds
A significant revelation has come to light regarding Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, commonly referred to as “broken heart syndrome.” While the majority of patients affected by this condition are women, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that the mortality rate is more than twice as high in men. This finding has surprised even medical experts.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 200,000 patients diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy who received treatment in various hospitals across the United States between 2016 and 2020. Several compelling insights emerged from this analysis.
Although women comprised 83 percent of total cases, the disease manifested with greater severity in men, reflected in a higher death rate. The mortality rate in men stood at 11.2 percent, compared to just 5.5 percent in women. The overall death rate from this condition was recorded at 6.5 percent. Experts noted with concern that there was no significant change in this rate over the five-year study period.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a temporary heart condition typically triggered by severe emotional or physical stress. Symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath resemble those of a heart attack. Although it is often reversible, in some cases, the condition can lead to serious complications such as congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, or stroke.
Dr. M. Reza Mohebi, interventional cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at the Sarver Heart Center at the University of Arizona, and one of the study’s authors, stated, “We were surprised that the mortality rate associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy remained significantly high without much change over the five-year study period. The severity of complications in hospitalized patients also remained notably high.” He added, “This persistent elevation in mortality is concerning and indicates the need for improved treatment strategies and further research into new medical interventions.”
According to the study, patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy frequently experienced complications such as congestive heart failure (35.9%), atrial fibrillation (20.7%), cardiogenic shock (6.6%), stroke (5.3%), and cardiac arrest (3.4%). While the condition was most prevalent in individuals over 61 years of age, its occurrence was found to be 2.6 to 3.25 times higher in the 46–60 age group compared to those aged 31–45.
The prevalence of the condition was highest among White individuals (0.16%), followed by Native Americans (0.13%) and Black individuals (0.07%). The analysis also revealed significant socioeconomic disparities related to median household income, hospital size, and health insurance status.
Experts preliminarily suggest that the higher mortality rate among men could be attributed to differences in how stress is managed and a lack of adequate social support. The study emphasizes the urgent need to address these gender-based disparities, raise awareness about the condition, and develop targeted treatment strategies.