Who is most likely to develop broken heart syndrome?

Broken heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a temporary heart condition that can occur in response to extreme emotional or physical stress. It primarily affects postmenopausal women, particularly those between the ages of 50 and 70.

This demographic is more vulnerable to stress-related heart issues due to hormonal changes associated with menopause, which can influence the cardiovascular system. Estrogen is believed to have some protective effects on the heart, and its decline may increase the susceptibility to stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

In contrast, young males are relatively less likely to experience broken heart syndrome as it is predominantly observed in females after menopause. Athletes may experience different types of cardiovascular issues related to their extreme physical exertion or overtraining, rather than stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Children are also less likely to be affected because the condition is closely linked to the physiological changes that occur during adulthood and the stressors typically encountered later in life.

Understanding these aspects provides insight into why postmenopausal women are specifically recognized as the group most at risk for developing broken heart syndrome.