Diseases and Conditions

Broken heart syndrome

Risk factors

There are a number of known risk factors for broken heart syndrome, including:

  • Sex. The condition affects women far more often than men.
  • Age. It appears that most people who have broken heart syndrome are older than 50.
  • A history of a neurological condition. People who have neurological disorders, such as a head injury or a seizure disorder (epilepsy) have a greater risk of broken heart syndrome.
  • A previous or current psychiatric disorder. If you've had disorders, such as anxiety or depression, you probably have a higher risk of broken heart syndrome.