29 September 2025 : Every year, World Heart Day serves as a reminder to care for the organ that keeps us alive – but heart health is about more than just cholesterol, diet, or exercise. Across the world, many people experience what’s known as Broken Heart Syndrome – a condition that may sound like a romantic metaphor but is, in fact, a serious medical reality. Triggered by extreme stress, grief, or shock, it shows just how deeply our emotions are connected to our heart’s wellbeing.
For the occasion of World Heart Day 2025, HT Lifestyle reached out to three cardiologists, Dr Aken Desai – a consultant and senior interventional cardiologist at Shrimad Rajachandra Hospital; Dr Rasheed Ahmed – the head of Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur; and Dr Manish Sharma – the director of Pushpanjali Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Agra – for their expert comments on a medical condition known Broken Heart Syndrome. According to the experts, a broken heart is not merely a romanticised phrase, but a real heart condition caused due to extreme emotional stress. They outline the various symptoms, prevention and methods of prevention and recovery.
What is Broken Heart Syndrome?
Broken Heart Syndrome may sound like a poetic phrase, but doctors warn it is a real and serious condition. According to Dr Desai, “It’s important to know that Broken Heart Syndrome isn’t just a poetic phrase – it’s a real medical condition called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.” He explains, “It happens when extreme emotional or physical stress like grief, shock, or sudden fear – floods the body with stress hormones that weaken the heart muscle. It may look like a heart attack, with chest pain and breathlessness, but unlike a heart attack, the arteries aren’t blocked.” He adds that with timely care most people make a full recovery, but the real challenge is recognising the condition quickly.
Summary:
On World Heart Day 2025, cardiologists highlighted Broken Heart Syndrome, noting its symptoms often mimic a heart attack, stressing timely diagnosis and awareness to prevent complications.