Symptoms of a broken heart can mimic a heart attack, but the differences between the two are quite notable. There are no blockages in the heart, an EKG won’t show the syndrome, and most doctors don’t know much about broken heart syndrome.  It’s best to get a second opinion if your doctor tells you the chest pain you felt along with the shortness of breath, congestive heart failure and low blood pressure wasn’t caused by a heart attack.

The causes of broken heart syndrome are at this time unknown. A sudden surge in adrenaline and other stress hormones can temporarily stun the heart and affect it’s pumping ability. The heart muscle cells are stunned by these hormones, but not killed like it would be with a heart attack. Broken heart syndrome patients can recover in days to weeks. They need to follow standard treatment for a heart attack and heart failure.

There are differences in heart attack symptoms for men and women. Most women won’t have chest pains. This results in a delay in seeking help. Standard tests may not reveal what’s wrong. Your problem could very well be the small blood vessels with cells that aren’t properly functioning. Heart disease can be reversible if caught early.

The most common heart attack symptoms for both men and women are chest pain or discomfort;pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; cold sweats, nausea or light-headedness. Chest pain is the main reason most people seek emergency care. If you experience any chest pain go to the emergency room immediately.

Women’s arteries behave differently than men’s.  In women when cholesterol or plaque builds up the arteries tend to expand to accommodate it.  In men the plaque blocks the arteries. Standard tests search for blocked arteries, so women’s plaque can be hidden. Current testing methods can’t diagnose women having heart attacks as well as they can diagnose men. This results in more women dying of heart attacks than men. Do ask for that second opinion if you doctor tells you it’s not a heart attack you are experiencing. Don’t take chances. It’s your life.