A recent study on a broken heart

A recent study on a broken heart

Researchers at the Scottish University of Aberdeen have discovered that certain changes in areas of the human brain associated with emotion lead to takotsubo syndrome, which is sometimes known as “broken heart” syndrome.

The results of the study, presented at the British Heart and Vascular Society's Centenary Conference in Manchester, also revealed changes in the level of brain activity in areas known to control the heartbeat.

acute heart failure

Takotsubo syndrome is a sudden form of acute heart failure estimated in millions around the world annually and mainly seen in postmenopausal women. The syndrome can cause the same symptoms as a heart attack, and although the arteries leading to the heart are not blocked, it risks complications similar to an actual heart attack.

The causes of takotsubo syndrome are not fully understood yet, but it is usually caused by emotional or physical stress such as the loss of a loved one, and for this reason it is called broken heart syndrome.

Dr Hilal Khan, Associate Professor of Clinical Research at the University of Aberdeen, said: "For years, we've known that there is a link between the brain and the heart, but the role the brain plays in takotsubo syndrome has remained a mystery. For the first time, changes have been detected in the regions of the brain responsible for controlling the heart and emotions.”

Professor Khan added that more research will be needed to determine whether the changes cause takotsubo syndrome or occur concomitantly, expressing the hope and his research team that through more research, the most effective treatments can be identified. and that the effect of cardiac rehabilitation and psychotherapy on brain structure and function after “broken heart” syndrome is already being explored to ultimately improve care for these patients.”

In the most detailed study of its kind, the scientists scanned the brains of 25 patients who had experienced a takotsubo episode in the previous five days. They used MRI brain scans to measure brain volume, surface area and communication signals between different brain regions. The results were then compared with control patients, who were matched for age, gender and other medical conditions.

Hypothalamus, amygdala and carrot

The researchers discovered that there was reduced connectivity in the thalamus, amygdala, islet and basal ganglia of takotsubo patients, compared to healthy people, regions of the brain involved in regulating high-level functions such as emotions, thinking, language, stress responses and heart control.

The researchers also observed that the thalamus and islet regions of the brain were enlarged, while the total volume of the brain, including the amygdala and brainstem, was smaller compared to healthy people.

The team of researchers is now planning to perform follow-up MRI scans on the same patients to trace the natural course of takotsubo syndrome in the brain.

The researchers also plan to examine the brains of traditional heart attack patients in hopes of determining whether takotsubo syndrome causes changes in the brain or whether the changes cause takotsubo syndrome.