In December 2022, Big Nuz member and Gqom artist Mampintsha, real name, Mandla Maphumulo died after suffering from a stroke. Two weeks later, his mom, Zamanguni Gumede, fell ill and died at Wentworth Hospital. This was just weeks after burying her son. According to Mampintsha's sister, Pinky Gumede, their mom died from a broken heart which affected her physically after her son's passing. Her health started deteriorating before her son's death and she had become worse, as a result, she was unable to speak and walk."uMa died from heartbreak. She became ill because she could not cope with her son's death,"Pinky said. According to clinical psychologist Sibu Tshangane, Takotsubo syndrome, stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome are real and should be treated.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

A study by Harvard reveals that broken heart syndrome was first described in the 1990s in Japan, as the weakening of the left ventricle. This is becauseof a result of severe, emotional or mental physical stress. These are due to the loss of a loved one, sadness, grief, a serious accident or a natural disaster. The condition is also described as a stress-induced cardiomyopathy. The Havard study shows the symptoms include; chest pain, severe pressur, and heaviness. These cause fatigue, shortness of breath, cold sweats or light-headedness.

Sometimes people with broken heart syndrome experience less dramatic chest pain. Instead, they may have shortness of breath, sudden onset of marked fatigue, cold sweats or light-headedness.

HEART MUSCLE WEAKNESS

A study by Johns Hopkins shows that when one experiences a stressful event in their lives, the body produces hormones and proteins such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These are meant to help one cope with the stress. At times, the heart muscle can be overwhelmed by the adrenalin. The excess adrenaline can then cause the narrowing of the small arteries that supply the heart with blood. This causes a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart. The adrenaline may bind to the heart cells, causing large amounts of calcium to enter the cells. This can prevent the heart cells from beating the way they should.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Tshangane tells ZiMoja that broken heart syndrome shows itself after grief, bereavement or due to severe stress, abuse, severe or sudden illness or recent involvement in disaster. "One either gets sudden and intense chest pains, shortness of breath, and the feeling of sickness," he says. "If a medical practitioner suspects one may have Takotsubo syndrome, they will most likely conduct certain blood tests," he says. "These tests are to confirm the diagnosis. They will also enquire about extreme stress, such as the death of a loved one. Medication or treatment will then be recommended."