It’s possible to be so happy you could die, a new study says.
Swiss Researchers at the University Hospital Zurich found that it’s not just sadness that can cause Takotsubo syndrome, or broken-heart syndrome.
Happy moments, such as a milestone birthday or wedding, can also trigger the syndrome, which causes a sudden weakening of the heart’s muscles.
While analyzing data from 485 patients from nine countries, the researchers found that the syndrome was sparked in 96 percent by sad situations, including the loss of loved ones and relationship problems.
But 4 percent experienced the potentially deadly condition because of joyous occasions, says the research published Thursday in the European Heart Journal.
The discovery will help “broaden the clinical spectrum” of treating the syndrome, named after a Japanese octopus that resembles the left ventricle of the heart that is affected by the reversible condition.
The majority of the 1,750 diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome were women.
The rare syndrome is brought on by an increase of stress hormones in a person’s system and is usually treatable.
It has a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath and chest pain that mimick heart attacks.