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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Numerous case reports of this condition in association with covid. Theory is that surge of stress hormones (catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenaline) brought on by emotional shock causes heart dysfunction. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32909275/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7401702/
Another case. What is unclear is how common this condition is, as it can only be diagnosed via angiogram and echocardiography. However, numerous clinicians noting increase in its occurrence during covid time. Reconsider pub health fear-based messages?
Another case. What is unclear is how common this condition is, as it can only be diagnosed via angiogram and echocardiography. However, numerous clinicians noting increase in its occurrence during covid time. Reconsider pub health fear-based messages?
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/clc.22910
The concept of heart injury resultant from severe emotional shock is ancient, "s/he died of a broken heart." In the 1940s, researcher Walter Cannon coined term "voodoo death" and proposed Takotsubo-like hormone surge to explain how terror could cause death
The concept of heart injury resultant from severe emotional shock is ancient, "s/he died of a broken heart." In the 1940s, researcher Walter Cannon coined term "voodoo death" and proposed Takotsubo-like hormone surge to explain how terror could cause death
This concept is at least part of what lies behind the health care worker's "bland reassurance" - recognition that fear and terror can be noxious and harmful to health. Much of the window-dressing of medical practice is meant to reassure, and diminish fear/terror (ideally)
The deliberate choice to "scare people into compliance" would be regarded as unwise in some instances. While some members of population may require tighter discipline and perhaps benefit from being MORE afraid, one cannot control impact of fear messaging on already-anxious people
Placebo effect is familiar - I am unsure about its physiology, but perhaps it is akin to "anti-Takotsubo" mechanism, where stress hormones reduced when someone thinks they are receiving a potent remedy. Less familiar is term "nocebo effect," anticipated harm leads to real harm
I would wager that many religious practices have their efficacy explained at least in part by placebo effect. A deeper approach is taken by Dr Larry Dossey, among others, regarding the power of religious practices and prayer for health and healing
