'Broken Heart Syndrome' has increased during coronavirus pandemic, study shows - Fox News

A new study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association on Thursday found that cardiomyopathy, or "Broken Heart Syndrome," has increased during the coronavirus pandemic.

The study found the incidence of stress cardiomyopathy, or Takotsubo Syndrome, increased by a significant 7.8 percent during the pandemic's initial apex, compared with prepandemic incidences that ranged from 1.5 percent to 1.8 percent.

The findings suggest that psychological, social and economic stress related to the coronavirus are associated with the increase.

"The association between stress cardiomyopathy and increasing levels of stress and anxiety has long been established," the report's authors wrote.

"The psychological, social, and economic distress accompanying the pandemic, rather than direct viral involvement and sequelae of the infection, are more likely factors associated with the increase in stress cardiomyopathy cases.

This was further supported by negative COVID-19 testing results in all patients diagnosed with stress cardiomyopathy in the study group.".

"Further research must examine the association of COVID-19 with the incidence of stress cardiomyopathy and study any temporal or regional differences.".

Since the pandemic began, health officials have warned about the impact of coronavirus on mental health.