Can Heartbreak Physically Break Your Heart? - Itchy and Bitchy

Can Heartbreak Physically Break Your Heart? - Itchy and Bitchy

From Itchy and Bitchy by Karen Nickell

April 4, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Karen introduces Stephen Miller for a discussion on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and its effects, particularly on postmenopausal women.

Karen kicks off a new chapter for Itchy and Bitchy by introducing future host Stephen Miller, a cardiology nurse practitioner, for a conversation on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome.” Together they explain what this stress-triggered heart condition is, why it so often affects postmenopausal women, and what recovery can look like. Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/itchy-and-bitchy-podcast--4303608/support . Itchy & Bitchy is back! ... and the medical system is officially on notice.

People in this episode

Host: Karen Nickell

Guest: Stephen Miller

Topics covered

  • heartbreak
  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
  • broken heart syndrome
  • cardiology
  • women's health

Keywords

  • heartbreak
  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
  • broken heart syndrome
  • stress
  • postmenopausal women

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: itchyandbitchy.com

Books & works: Itchy and Bitchy

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