Page last updated at 11:07 GMT, Friday, 27 March 2009

Medics 'can mend a broken heart'

Broken heart
Medics can help you recover from a broken heart

Scientists have found it is possible to mend a broken heart.






The patients studied by the researchers from two hospitals in Providence, Rhode Island were diagnosed with broken heart syndrome between July 2004 and April 2008.

Spring breaks


There does seem to be an association between this condition and a very stressful event
June Davison, British Heart Foundation

Six patients presented with heart-induced shock and three had abnormal heart rhythms which required emergency treatment.


Overall, the majority of those in the registry were prescribed aspirin or heart drugs such as, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins while in hospital.

Even though a fifth were were critically ill and required emergency treatment to keep them alive, all the patients survived the first 48 hours and experienced a full recovery.


'Rarely fatal'

Dr Richard Regnante from the Miriam Hospital, who led the research, said this seasonal pattern could help understand the condition.


A broken heart just needs time to digest the pain and get back on track with the help of friends, relatives and some shopping
Maeth P, UK


"Since the seasonal pattern of broken heart syndrome that we observed is opposite of what it seen with heart attack patients, our findings suggest - but certainly do not prove - the latter theory may be correct."

He added that the study could help heart specialists and A&E doctors manage patients with the condition.


Dr Regnante and his team are now recruiting patients with broken heart syndrome for a new study which will use ultrasound images to look at whether the condition causes internal damage to the heart.

June Davison, a spokeswoman for the British Heart Foundation, said: "There does seem to be an association between this condition and a very stressful event.

"But not enough people have been affected to provide hard evidence of what happens and what actually causes it.

"However people do seem to make a full recovery."

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