A new study has found that men with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, are more likely to die from the condition than women. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 patients hospitalized for TC in the United States between 2016 and 2020.
Broken heart syndrome occurs when stress hormones cause part of the heart muscle to “freeze” in place, leading to symptoms similar to a heart attack. While women account for most cases (83%), men are more than twice as likely to die from TC, with a mortality rate of 11.2%.
Experts believe that biological differences, such as hormone levels, and social factors, like misdiagnosis and delayed care, may contribute to the higher mortality rates in men. The study controlled for variables like age, race, income, and chronic health conditions but found no data on other comorbid diseases.
The findings raise questions about why men are more likely to die from broken heart syndrome, and further research is needed to establish a firmer explanation. In the meantime, experts warn that sudden chest pain or shortness of breath should always be treated as a medical emergency.
According to Dr. Mohammad Reza Movahed, the study’s coauthor, “The differences between men and women are a very striking finding… It raises a new, interesting question that should really be studied.” The study highlights the importance of recognizing TC in both men and women, particularly before misdiagnosis occurs.
Source: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2025/06/why-men-with-broken-heart-syndrome-are-more-likely-to-die-according-to-experts