“While it’s not unexpected that an exercise regimen would benefit heart patients, it’s fascinating to find that this research also indicated cognitive behavioural therapy can enhance heart function and improve patients’ fitness,” stated Sonya Babu-Narayan, MD, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, which supported the trial mentioned. She shared her insights with The Guardian. “Further investigation is required to determine whether these methods lead to long-term improvements in survival or symptoms.” [Vogue reached out to the European Society of Cardiology for comments on the study, as well as a copy for reference, but did not receive a timely response before publication.]
Dr. Fergus notes that typically, those who suffer from heart failure, heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, or any condition impacting heart function are recommended to undergo cardiac rehabilitation or exercise. She believes it follows logically that the same conclusions can be drawn for broken heart syndrome. Exercise facilitates enhanced oxygen flow to the heart, thereby strengthening it while also uplifting one’s mood.
From a mental health standpoint, Thea Gallagher, PsyD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, concurs, explaining that much of our anxiety or distress is not solely mental; it’s also physical. “The connection between the brain and body is significant,” Gallagher explains. “Therefore, engaging in activities beneficial for your body can alleviate some of the physiological symptoms you may be experiencing. For instance, if you’re feeling anxious and consuming five cups of coffee in the morning, that’s detrimental to your body. However, if you choose to take a 20-minute walk each morning, this not only offers measurable health benefits but also helps counteract anxiety and depression.”
Additionally, exercise offers you a means to establish a routine that can improve your mental state. “Establishing a new routine, introducing structure, and creating something predictable can significantly aid our minds, particularly when we feel overwhelmed or are in a deep state of mourning,” Gallagher notes.
While we may yearn for an instantaneous remedy for a broken heart, the most prudent approach presently is to prioritize your overall health. “It’s often difficult to predict who might experience broken heart syndrome,” Dr. Fergus remarks. “But you can take preventive measures by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors, which may lessen the likelihood of severe consequences in unfortunate situations.”
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