‘Broken Heart Syndrome’ on rise since coronavirus spread began - New York Daily News

Rather than clogged arteries, however, this condition is caused by intense emotional or physical stress, which enlarges the heart and prevents it from pumping blood effectively.

Of course, both the economic and public health problems caused by the pandemic have given many Americans plenty of reason to be more stressed out, which puts them at greater risk of contracting the syndrome.

“The increase in socioeconomic and psychological stress from the pandemic has literally increased stress cardiomyopathy,” said Dr.