It was an ordinary afternoon for an 81-year-old woman. She was managing her blood pressure and cholesterol just fine. Then, the phone rang. The news hit her instantly: her younger brother had died unexpectedly during a simple operation.

The wave of grief was huge. Immediately, a terrifying crisis began: a crushing, never-ending pain exploded in her chest. It was the worst pain she'd ever felt—a perfect 10 out of 10. She knew this wasn't just sadness; her body was sounding a life-threatening alarm. She rushed to the emergency room.

In the hospital, doctors immediately treated her for a major heart attack because all the evidence pointed towards it. The EKG (Electrocardiogram) reading was severely abnormal, suggesting an artery was blocked.

However, what confused the doctors was what they found after. Her angiogram, an artery check which allows them to locate the blockage came out perfectly clean, which meant that the pain wasn’t caused by a blockage.

Instead, the test revealed the actual problem: her heart had taken on an unusual shape. The bottom tip, or apex, had ballooned out, creating the shape of a Japanese "octopus pot"—the signature sign of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. The extreme emotional shock had temporarily paralyzed her heart, dropping its pumping strength to a dangerous 25%.

What is ‘Broken Heart Syndrome’?

This patient's story is a textbook example of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, famously known as "Broken Heart Syndrome" published in the 2022 Cureus Journal of Medical Science. It proves that intense stress, like sudden, shocking news, can physically harm the heart.

The current theory is that the surge of stress hormones (like adrenaline) during emotional shock becomes toxic to the heart muscle. It stuns the muscle, causing the heart to fail dramatically, acting exactly like a heart attack, even when the arteries are totally fine.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition affects mostly women and account for 89% of all reported cases.

This case is a vital lesson for doctors: if an older woman comes in with heart attack symptoms right after a major emotional shock, they must consider Takotsubo. Though terrifying, the good news is that the heart muscle damage is usually temporary and reversible. It shows a profound truth: your mind and your heart are powerfully, and sometimes dangerously, connected.

How Common Is Broken Heart Syndrome?

There are many cases of broken heart syndrome, one such case, reported by Women’s Health, showcased the story of a 69-year-old Linda who thought she had a bad case of bronchitis. When her symptoms did not get any better, her loved ones implored her to visit the doctor. However, the problem did not lie in her lungs but her heart. Her left ventricle, the main pumping chamber, had swollen up like a balloon and stopped working right. Linda was completely shocked, as she never for a moment thought her symptoms were heart-related.

For Linda, doctors believe the extreme stress came from a bitter family argument. For months before her diagnosis, her sister was accusing her over their dying mother’s estate. Linda recalled being so stressed she felt like she "wanted to run into the street and scream."

Can You Fix A ‘Broken Heart’ Syndrome?

Treatment for the "broken heart" focuses on helping the heart recover during the first critical days:

Immediate Care

Doctors work to manage the patient's symptoms and support the weak heart. They have to be careful to avoid certain drugs, like those that try to force the heart to pump harder (inotropic drugs), as these can sometimes make the problem worse.

Preventing Clots

Because the bottom part of the heart isn't moving well, blood can pool there, raising the risk of clots. To stop this, patients are often given blood thinners (anticoagulation therapy).

Once the patient is stable, doctors often prescribe medications like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. These drugs help the heart muscle heal and pump more efficiently while the patient recovers.

Unlike a traditional heart attack where damage is permanent, the heart muscle damaged by Takotsubo usually bounces back. While a significant recovery period is needed, patients typically have a good long-term outlook.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder that affects the nervous system, the network of nerves controlling movement and other vital body functions. Symptoms usually appear gradually. Often, the first sign is a subtle tremor in one hand, or sometimes a foot or jaw. Tremors are common, but Parkinson’s can also cause stiffness, slower movements, and balance problems, increasing the risk of falls.

Could Oral Bacteria Be a Trigger For Parkinson’s Disease?

“Our study shows how oral microbes in the gut may affect the brain and contribute to Parkinson’s,” says Professor Ara Koh. “Targeting the gut microbiome could offer new treatment possibilities.” The findings, published in Nature Communications, revealed a higher presence of S. mutans in the gut of Parkinson’s patients compared to healthy individuals.

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More importantly, S. mutans produces an enzyme called urocanate reductase (UrdA) and a metabolite known as imidazole propionate (ImP). Researchers found that both UrdA and ImP were present at higher levels in the gut and blood of Parkinson’s patients. ImP, in particular, appears capable of entering the bloodstream, reaching the brain, and potentially contributing to the loss of dopaminergic neurons, which is the nerve cells essential for controlling movement.

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In experiments with mice, researchers introduced S. mutans into the gut or modified E. coli to produce UrdA. The mice then showed higher levels of ImP in both their blood and brain. Alongside this, they developed key signs of Parkinson’s disease, including the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, increased brain inflammation, trouble with movement, and greater buildup of alpha-synuclein, a protein closely linked to the disease’s progression.

What Is Streptococcus Mutans?

Can We Reduce Streptococcus Mutans?

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Clean between your teeth using floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers
• Maintain regular dental checkups
• Limit sugary foods and drinks, replacing them with healthier options
• Consider sealants on grooves and pits if recommended by your dentist

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

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PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
• Manage stress effectively
• Prioritize sufficient sleep
• Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
• Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes

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She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

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How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
• Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

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By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.