The Clinical Challenge of Distinguishing between Happy Heart and Broken Heart Syndromes

Authors

  • Robert Buntyn DO Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA Author
  • Zingas N Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA Author
  • Valencia D Department of Cardiology, Kettering Health, Dayton, OH, USA Author
  • Mukerji V Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47363/JIMRR/2024(3)133

Keywords:

Heart, Clinical

Abstract

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TC), or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is an acquired cardiomyopathy which is famously attributed to tragic or stressful life events. Triggers for TC are notable to be physical or emotional, with surgery and death of a loved one as examples. More recently and considerably less common, TC has been recognized following joyous events, which has been referred to as the Happy Heart Syndrome (HHS). Here we describe a case of HHS in a 62-year-old female who presented to an emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath precipitated by receiving good news about the recovery of her critically ill husband. Furthermore, we discuss the diagnostic challenges in identifying the trigger and categorization of this condition.

Author Biographies

  • Robert Buntyn, DO Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

    DO Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

  • Zingas N, Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

    Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

  • Valencia D, Department of Cardiology, Kettering Health, Dayton, OH, USA

    Department of Cardiology, Kettering Health, Dayton, OH, USA

  • Mukerji V, Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

    Department of Internal Medicine, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA

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Published

2024-07-18

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2024): Volume 3 Issue 3

Section

Articles