women, the expected cancer cases were more than double what would be expected for those with broken heart syndrome.
The most common type of cancer was breast cancer. Other cancers affected areas including the digestive system, the respiratory tract, internal sex organs and the skin.
People who also had cancer were more likely to have a physical trigger for broken heart syndrome than an emotional one, the findings showed.
Templin said it’s not clear from this study exactly how these conditions are linked, though he noted that stress from a cancer diagnosis might trigger broken heart syndrome. It’s also possible that metabolic or hormonal changes caused by cancer could increase the risk of broken heart syndrome.
Dr. Guy Mintz, director of cardiovascular health and lipidology at Northwell Health’s Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., said, “Many cancer patients have