Former Deputy President Rigathi was diagnosed with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, commonly known as ‘broken heart syndrome’, after reporting severe chest pain.
Gachagua has faced intense stress following an impeachment motion filed against him in the National Assembly. On October 17th, he was taken to Karen Hospital just as he was due to attend a Senate impeachment hearing.
Dr Dan Gikonyo confirmed that Gachagua’s chest and heart issues are likely due to the emotional stress and pressure he experienced following his impeachment from the country’s second-highest office.
The coveted cardiologist recommended that Gachagua undergo 72 hours of observation due to his health condition. He explained that although Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy isn’t very common, people over 50 who endure prolonged stress are at a higher risk of developing it.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Broken heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, is a condition where the heart muscles temporarily change shape and weaken, often triggered by intense physical or emotional stress.
The name ‘Takotsubo’ comes from a Japanese pot used for catching octopuses, which has a unique shape. In this condition, the heart’s left ventricle temporarily narrows at the top while becoming rounder at the bottom, resembling this pot.
This causes the heart’s main pumping chamber to expand, weakening its muscles and reducing pumping strength. Fortunately, it’s usually a temporary condition, and there are various ways to manage and recover from broken heart syndrome.
Cardiac issues can be very unsettling. People most at risk for broken heart syndrome include those over 50, individuals with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, and often, women.
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Those who have experienced it describe the sensation as similar to a heart attack. Some symptoms of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy include:
- Sudden and intense chest pains
- Pressure or heaviness on the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Heavy palpitations of the heart in the chest cavity
- Feeling faint/lighthearted
- Feeling sick
Unfortunately, the exact cause of the illness, aside from severe stress, is not known. Medical experts suggest that it is caused by a rush of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which inflict sudden stress on the heart and cause temporary damage.
At first sight, doctors often mistake broken heart syndrome for a heart attack. However, after running several tests, such as blood work, ECG, MRI, echocardiogram and coronary angiogram, they can accurately diagnose Takotsubo syndrome.
Most people with Takotsubo syndrome recover well with the right treatment. Hospital care typically includes diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors or ARBs to support heart function.
Blood thinners may also be prescribed if there’s a risk of blood clots or irregular heartbeat, like atrial fibrillation.
Those who’ve been diagnosed require frequent check-ups with a cardiologist and can also consider getting active, eating healthy and talking to friends/family/support groups to help cope with the stress.
