Heart rupture: Possibility, reasons, and additional insights
In the realm of cardiac health, heart rupture is a severe and often fatal complication that typically occurs following a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction.
Heart rupture is a grave condition that weakens or tears the heart muscle wall due to necrosis, most frequently occurring after an acute myocardial infarction. Other potential causes include trauma, certain infections, or invasive cardiac procedures, but post-heart attack rupture is the most common [5].
Symptoms
Sudden severe chest pain or discomfort, often worsening rapidly, is a common symptom of heart rupture. Other signs include signs of cardiogenic shock such as low blood pressure, rapid weak pulse, cold sweats, and clammy skin. Shortness of breath and distress due to sudden cardiac tamponade (blood filling the pericardial sac) or heart failure may also occur. Loss of consciousness or collapse may happen due to sudden cardiac arrest from rupture. Symptoms may overlap with heart attack signs, including chest pressure, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and palpitations [1][5].
Diagnosis
A clinical suspicion after a recent heart attack with an abrupt deterioration is the first step in diagnosing a heart rupture. Echocardiography is the key diagnostic tool, showing pericardial effusion (blood around the heart) or direct visualization of the rupture. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may show new arrhythmias or conduction abnormalities. Imaging such as cardiac MRI or CT can help but usually, the diagnosis is clinical plus echocardiographic [5].
Treatment
Heart rupture is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical repair. Stabilization includes managing shock with fluids, blood products, and inotropes. Pericardiocentesis (draining blood from the pericardium) might be done temporarily to relieve tamponade. Urgent open-heart surgery to repair the rupture and restore cardiac integrity is essential; without surgery, rupture is typically fatal. Post-surgical care involves managing heart function, preventing arrhythmias, and supporting recovery [5].
Early diagnosis is crucial in cases of left ventricular rupture as the mortality rate is high. Treatment for panic attacks, which may cause symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, involves anxiety medications, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Tests such as a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) can help determine the causes of cardiac-related symptoms.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart rupture. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-rupture/symptoms-causes/syc-20355541
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). What is a heart attack? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-attack
- American Heart Association. (2021). Symptoms of heart failure. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/symptoms-of-heart-failure
- American Heart Association. (2021). What is angina? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/angina/what-is-angina
- National Institutes of Health. (2020). Heart rupture. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000767.htm
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ehlers-danlos-syndrome
- American College of Cardiology. (2020). Displaced rib fracture may lead to cardiac rupture. Retrieved from https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2020/11/02/13/45/displaced-rib-fracture-may-lead-to-cardiac-rupture
- American Heart Association. (2021). Cardiac rupture can be serious and survival rates are low. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/12/03/cardiac-rupture-can-be-serious-and-survival-rates-are-low
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Panic disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/panic-disorder/index.shtml
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transesophageal-echocardiogram/about/pac-20384913
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transthoracicechocardiogram/about/pac-20384905
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Diuretics. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/diuretics
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/imaging/mri
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Symptoms of a heart attack. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20351411
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Chest pain. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/chest-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050553
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Shortness of breath. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/definition/sym-20050689
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Facial weakness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/facial-weakness/basics/definition/sym-20050730
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart palpitations. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/heart-palpitations/basics/definition/sym-20050791
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lightheadedness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/lightheadedness/basics/definition/sym-20050837
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Numbing on one side of the body. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/numbness/basics/definition/sym-20050888
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Tachycardia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tachycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20368696
- Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and panic disorders, can cause symptoms that mimic heart attack signs, which may lead to undue worry and heart-related medical-conditions check-ups.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, managing anxiety, and accompanying symptoms like palpitations, may involve the use of anxiety medications, antidepressants, and beta-blockers, thus contributing to a holistic approach to cardiovascular health.
- When experiencing symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart-related discomforts, it is essential to undergo tests like transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to determine the causes of these health-and-wellness concerns and ensure proper medical-conditions management.
- While immediate medical attention is necessary for heart rupture, it is equally crucial to maintain good mental health, as anxiety and stress can potentially exacerbate cardiovascular-health issues, such as heart attack and panic attacks.
- Properly understanding heart-related medical-conditions, including heart rupture and heart attack, can help individuals make informed decisions on their health-and-wellness and seek appropriate medical attention in case of emergencies.
