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Seniors: Are you at risk for Broken Heart Syndrome?
Physician to discuss this newly-recognized heart condition at this year’s Seniors Expo It may feel like a heart attack; look like a heart attack; and even be diagnosed as a heart attack. But especially if you are a post-menopausal woman over age 50 who is under some type of emotional or physical stress, you may be experiencing what doctors now call “broken heart” syndrome. “When the condition occurs, one-half to two-thirds of the heart stops contracting abruptly. The heart acts almost as if it is stunned or has a concussion and goes into a sleep mode. A patient may experience chest pain in front of the chest but without a prior history of heart problems,” explains James A. Furda, MD, an internist who specializes in cardiology at the Minneapolis Heart Institute in Brainerd and Crosby. Furda, who lives in the Brainerd Lakes Area, will make a special appearance at this year’s Seniors Expo (www.101expos.com) taking place September 17-18, 2007 at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, to explain broken heart syndrome for Minnesota seniors. “This is a potentially serious condition, but with prompt diagnosis using readily available tests and proper treatment, the syndrome is usually reversible,” says Furda. He explains that the symptoms of a heart attack and broken heart syndrome are virtually identical: chest pain, shortness of breath and weakness. “If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical assistance through an emergency room as quickly as possible and let the medical staff sort it out.” Furda adds that: “Referring to the condition as the ‘broken heart’ syndrome is somewhat misleading because it implies the condition occurs during grief or loss when it is actually much broader than that. We’ve found the most common trigger to be some type of stressful event, ranging from the sudden loss of a loved one, a heated argument, severe financial loss to fear from physical harm, abuse or crime. A second major trigger group is some type of physical stress due to a non-cardiac related ailment or illness including asthma attacks, gall bladder surgery and spine surgery. About 95 percent of patients who experience broken heart syndrome are women older than 50 years of age.” “It is a new condition that physicians should become familiar with and is often under diagnosed,” adds Furda. “They may see it in different scenarios, so it is very important physicians ask more questions about the patients’ history, even going so far as asking family members about recent events.” Now in its 7th year, the Seniors Expo has helped thousands of Minnesota seniors find the products and services they need to lead healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives. The event is also a tremendous amount of fun with back-to-back entertainment including performances by The “B”zz, a very popular seniors dance troupe. Free seminars typically include such topics as healthy living, Medicare, Social Security, and travel. Exhibitor categories include leisure activities, senior housing, natural health supplements, fashion, jewelry, assisted living options and financial services. The event will also feature the Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant, the winner of which will compete in the national Ms. Senior America Pageant held in Las Vegas, NV, this November. To enable seniors in the Twin Cities to continue attending the Seniors Expo, Mid-America Events & Expos has teamed with Tourco to develop attractive bus/hotel combination packages. The $45 package tours include bus transportation to Grand Casino Mille Lacs, a hotel room at the casino, admission to the Seniors Expo, and a $45 Grand Rewards card to spend at the casino. Contact Tourco about these packages at 763-780-2985 or 800-868-7261. To watch a video of last year’s show and for half price tickets (regularly $6) visit www.101expos.com. Or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The Seniors Expo is sponsored by KSTP-TV, KSTC-TV, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota, Stressfree Living, Best of Times, Medica, Humana and Icelandair. Media Note: For additional information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Furda, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220. Biography – James A. Furda, MD
James A. Furda, MD is a board certified general internist with the Minneapolis Heart Institute in Brainerd, specializing in cardiovascular diseases, echocardiogram and women’s heart health. |
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