Surge in Broken Heart Syndrome Cases after Hamas Massacre in Israel

Israeli hospitals saw a significant increase in cases of broken heart syndrome following Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre. The rare condition, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, presented two to five times more frequently than usual in the weeks after the tragic event. Studies conducted at various hospitals revealed a surge in patients experiencing symptoms similar to a heart attack due to the intense emotional stress caused by the massacre. Experts noted that broken heart syndrome predominantly affects women and typically results in temporary heart weakening of the left ventricle, with most patients recovering within a couple of months. The rise in cases post-Oct. 7 prompted alarm among healthcare professionals, with one hospital reporting an increase from one case to five within the same timeframe compared to the previous year. These findings shed light on how national traumas can impact public health, emphasizing the need for psychological support and care during times of heightened stress and distress.