logo
Men are twice likely to die from 'broken heart syndrome' than women: Study

Men are twice likely to die from 'broken heart syndrome' than women: Study

India Today15-05-2025
Men are twice as likely to die from stress-induced heart failure, known as 'broken heart syndrome,' compared to women, a new study has found, despite the condition being far more common among women.Broken heart syndrome, medically known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress such as the death of a loved one, is a heart condition that mimics a heart attack.advertisementIt causes symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and in many cases, irregular heartbeats. It can lead to severe complications or even death if not treated promptly.The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analysed health records of nearly 2,00,000 U.S. adults from 2016 to 2020.Researchers found that the overall death rate from the condition remained high at 6.5%, with no signs of improvement over the five-year period. While 5.5% of women diagnosed with the condition died, the mortality rate for men stood at a significantly higher 11.2%."Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a serious condition with a substantial risk of death and severe complications,' said study author Dr. Mohammad Reza Movahed, an interventional cardiologist and professor at the University of Arizona's Sarver Heart Centre. He called the consistently high death rate "alarming," urging more focused research to improve treatment.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress such as the death of a loved one, is a heart condition that mimics a heart attack. ()
advertisementThe study found that older adults, especially those over 61, were the most vulnerable, though even adults between ages 46 and 60 were 2.6 to 3.25 times more likely to develop the condition than younger adults between 31 and 45.White adults had the highest incidence of the condition at 0.16%, followed by Native American (0.13%) and Black adults (0.07%).Several complications were observed in patients: congestive heart failure in 35.9%, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) in 20.7%, cardiogenic shock in 6.6%, stroke in 5.3%, and cardiac arrest in 3.4%. Movahed emphasised that many of these serious complications could potentially be prevented through early treatment and monitoring.The study also found that socioeconomic factors such as household income, hospital size, and insurance status, had an impact on outcomes, though the exact role they play needs more exploration.While the exact reason for the higher death rate in men remains unclear, researchers suspect hormonal differences or a higher rate of physical stress in men could be contributing factors.Dr. Movahed urged doctors to stay alert to this under-recognized condition, especially in older patients experiencing significant stress, and called for the development of better treatment options to help reduce its fatal toll.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

500-billion-year-old fossil reveals where spiders on your wall came from
500-billion-year-old fossil reveals where spiders on your wall came from

India Today

time3 days ago

  • India Today

500-billion-year-old fossil reveals where spiders on your wall came from

A fossil discovery is turning conventional wisdom about spider evolution upside down.A new study of Mollisonia symmetrica, a 500-million-year-old marine fossil, reveals that arachnids, spiders and their relatives, evolved in the ocean rather than exclusively on land as previously and scorpions have ruled as terrestrial predators for 400 million years, with their success often attributed to adaptations for life on land. Until now, the fossil record suggested that arachnids originated and diversified only after their ancestors conquered terrestrial However, this new research, led by Nicholas Strausfeld of the University of Arizona and published in Current Biology, challenges that narrative. Illustration of what the Mollisonia animal would have looked like at the time it lived, more than 500 million years ago. (Photo: Nick Strausfeld) The Fossil That Changed the StoryMollisonia symmetrica was discovered in Cambrian-age rocks and is preserved in remarkable detail, enough to study its brain and nervous system. Traditionally classified as a primitive chelicerate, its external features, a broad carapace and a sturdy, segmented trunk, are reminiscent of early marine arthropods like horseshoe careful imaging and analysis revealed something stunning: the neural anatomy of Mollisonia matches closely with that of modern arachnids, not horseshoe crabs or other key finding confirmed Mollisonia's prosoma (the front part of its body) contains a radiating pattern of segmented ganglia, similar to spiders and scorpions. Its unsegmented brain extends short nerves to a pair of pincer-like appendages, similar to spider most decisive feature is its brain's orientation, which is flipped compared to crustaceans, insects, centipedes, and even horseshoe crabs. This defining structure, also seen in living arachnids, likely allowed for faster neural control, crucial for predation and the intricate movements involved in web-spinning.'It's as if the Limulus-type brain, seen in horseshoe crabs, was flipped backwards, exactly what we find in modern spiders,' Strausfeld explained. Such neural traits, found only in arachnids, place Mollisonia as a direct ancestor within this lineage, not a marine side analyses of over 100 anatomical traits across extinct and living arthropods reinforced the finding: Mollisonia is closely related to today's spiders, scorpions, sun spiders, and other new perspective suggests arachnids evolved many of their key traits underwater before some later lineages ventured onto land, possibly preying on ancestral insects and millipedes and driving evolutionary innovations like insect flight for escape.- EndsMust Watch

Reasons, safety tips, key pointers as US faces deadly floods from Texas to New York
Reasons, safety tips, key pointers as US faces deadly floods from Texas to New York

Time of India

time6 days ago

  • Time of India

Reasons, safety tips, key pointers as US faces deadly floods from Texas to New York

This year's flood and rainfall, and specifically July 2025 have delivered a grim preview of a future shaped by climate-driven weather extremes. In just two weeks, extreme rainfall has triggered deadly flooding from Texas to New Jersey, and the skies aren't clearing yet. At least 134 people have died and over 100 remain missing after rivers like the Guadalupe in Texas rose by 8 meters in just one hour. Subway stations in New York were inundated. A tropical depression dumped nearly a foot of rain on parts of North Carolina in a single day, leaving six more dead. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence PGDM Degree Project Management MBA MCA Product Management CXO Leadership Operations Management healthcare Cybersecurity others Healthcare Data Science Management Public Policy Finance Digital Marketing Technology Data Analytics Data Science Design Thinking Others Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details 'This is not just a Texas problem. This is a climate problem,' says Dr. Joellen Russell, an oceanographer and climate modeler at the University of Arizona. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now The Latest Article Undo Why it's happening Scientists say the underlying cause is simple physics. A hotter atmosphere holds more water, about 6 percent more for every 1°C rise in temperature, and is now unloading it in more intense bursts. Live Events Data from the US Fifth National Climate Assessment confirms that extreme precipitation has increased by nearly 60 percent in the Northeast from 1958 to 2021, a trend only expected to worsen. 'Too much, too fast, that's the issue,' says Russell. 'No landscape, no matter how dry or prepared, can contain that volume of water.' Oceans remain a crucial factor Behind the scenes, the warming Gulf of Mexico plays a major role. According to Russell, the ocean has absorbed more than 90 percent of excess planetary heat from greenhouse gases, and that heat is now fueling rainfall. 'The Gulf is almost 2°C hotter than usual,' she says. 'That warm water feeds storms, making them wetter, slower, and more destructive.' Not just the US The disaster isn't isolated. Flash floods have hit Mexico, Pakistan, and Nigeria in recent weeks, as global heat waves warm air and water alike. With the US Commerce Department suspending the long-anticipated Atlas 15 rainfall data update, experts warn the country is flying blind into a wetter, more dangerous future. Infrastructure under strain Aging bridges, roads, and stormwater systems across America were never built for this level of stress. FEMA's flood maps, based on outdated rainfall data, are increasingly unreliable. 'The term '100-year flood' no longer means what we think,' Russell says. 'We're still using old baselines in a new climate era.' What can you do to stay safe? With climate extremes now a part of everyday life, Russell urges the public to take basic steps: Enable local emergency alerts on phones, especially NOAA warnings. Know your flood zone and evacuation routes. Create a 'go bag' with essentials in case of rapid evacuation. Form a communication plan with family, including pet arrangements. FAQs Is this level of flooding unusual? Yes. July 2025 is already breaking records for flood-related fatalities and rainfall intensity in several states. What areas are most at risk? The Gulf Coast, Northeast, and parts of the Midwest, especially those near rivers, coasts, or wildfire burn scars, are vulnerable. Will these storms keep happening? Most likely, yes. With warming oceans and atmosphere, intense, slow-moving, and rain-heavy storms will become more frequent.

How to identify lactose intolerance: Symptoms, causes, and tips to manage
How to identify lactose intolerance: Symptoms, causes, and tips to manage

Time of India

time18-07-2025

  • Time of India

How to identify lactose intolerance: Symptoms, causes, and tips to manage

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive order that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the body's inability to produce enough lactase enzymes to break down lactose found in milk and dairy products. When lactose isn't properly digested, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps. Many people experience lactose intolerance after consuming dairy products, making it essential to recognise these signs early. By adopting lactose-free diets, using lactase supplements, and choosing dairy alternatives, individuals can manage lactose intolerance and improve their overall well-being. What is lactose intolerance Lactose intolerance is the ability to digest lactose due to low levels of lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine. Lactase breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which the body can absorb. When lactase is insufficient, lactose remains undigested and ferments in the colon, causing symptoms. Signs that you might be lactose intolerant Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consuming lactose-containing foods or drinks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Turn Nervous Into Natural – Book a Free Demo Today Planet Spark Book Now Undo Key symptoms include: Bloating and abdominal pain: Excess gas from fermentation causes bloating and cramps. Diarrhea: Undigested lactose draws water into the colon, leading to loose stools. Gas and flatulence: Fermentation produces gas, causing discomfort and flatulence. Nausea: Some individuals feel nauseous after eating dairy. The severity of symptoms varies depending on how much lactose a person can tolerate. Other possible symptoms According to healthline, some case studies have reported additional symptoms linked to lactose intolerance, including: Constipation Headaches Loss of concentration Muscle and joint pain Mouth ulcers Urinary problems Eczema Causes and risk factors that contribute to lactose intolerance Primary lactose intolerance: The most common type, where lactase production decreases naturally with age. Secondary lactose intolerance: Caused by illness or injury to the small intestine (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease). Congenital lactose intolerance: A rare genetic condition where babies are born without the ability to produce lactase. Ethnicity: Lactose intolerance is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, including African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American populations. Ways to manage lactose intolerance Though lactose intolerance is not curable, it can be managed effectively: Dietary adjustments: Limit or avoid high-lactose foods like milk, soft cheeses, and ice cream. Lactase supplements: Enzyme pills taken before consuming dairy help digest lactose. Lactose-free products: Many dairy alternatives and lactose-free milk options are available. Calcium intake: Ensure sufficient calcium from non-dairy sources like leafy greens, fortified plant milks, and supplements Also read | A woman's brain tumour was mistaken for heatstroke: What you need to know about gliomas, its symptoms and causes

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store