New research suggests that exercise and therapy could potentially aid in the recovery from a condition known as Takotsubo syndrome, which is diagnosed in about 5,000 people in the UK annually. This syndrome, often referred to as “broken heart syndrome,” occurs when the heart muscle weakens and alters shape, typically as a result of intense emotional or physical stress, like bereavement.
Symptoms of Takotsubo syndrome can mimic those of a heart attack, and it unfortunately increases the risk of premature death for those affected. Dr. David Gamble from the University of Aberdeen noted that the effects on the heart can be quite severe and may persist long-term—comparable to those who have survived a heart attack.
This particular trial was groundbreaking, funded by the British Heart Foundation, and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid, marking it as a significant event in cardiology.
Findings indicate that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and a structured exercise regimen led to notable physical improvements in individuals with Takotsubo syndrome, reinforcing the connection between mental and heart health. Dr. Gamble remarked that the results emphasize the significance of what he calls the “brain-heart axis,” suggesting that either therapy or exercise could facilitate recovery.
In the trial, 76 patients were randomly assigned to receive either cognitive behavioral therapy, partake in an exercise program, or follow standard care protocols. Those in the exercise group engaged in various activities—cycling, running, and swimming—over a span of 12 weeks.
At the conclusion of the trial, participants in the exercise program could walk an average of 528 meters in six minutes, a noticeable increase from an average of 457 meters at the start. They also demonstrated an 18 percent improvement in oxygen consumption. Similarly, patients who participated in cognitive behavioral therapy saw a 458-meter average in six minutes, up from 402 meters, and their oxygen intake improved by 15 percent. In contrast, those receiving standard care showed minimal advances in heart health.
Takotsubo syndrome, first identified in the late 1990s, has been implicated in at least 7 percent of heart attack cases. Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, the clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, pointed out that the syndrome can be particularly severe during vulnerable life moments. She added that while the positive impact of exercise on heart patients isn’t surprising, the study’s indication that cognitive behavioral therapy also enhances heart function and fitness is quite compelling.
