# When the Healthcare System Breaks a Heart: A Case of Stress Cardiomyopathy Following a Conversation With an Insurance Provider

## TL;DR

A patient developed a heart condition after a stressful conversation with their insurance provider, highlighting the impact of healthcare-related stress on cardiovascular health.

## Contribution

This case highlights how healthcare-related stress can trigger stress cardiomyopathy in an otherwise healthy individual.

## Key findings

- A conversation with an insurance provider triggered stress cardiomyopathy in an asymptomatic patient.
- The case demonstrates the clinical course and management of stress cardiomyopathy.
- Healthcare-related stress can have severe physiological consequences, including cardiovascular emergencies.

## Abstract

Stress related to healthcare has been associated with adverse outcomes for patients with chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease. We describe the case of an otherwise healthy patient who developed stress cardiomyopathy triggered by an emotional conversation with their healthcare insurance provider. A conversation regarding coverage that included preventative care for an asymptomatic patient resulted in the development of a cardiovascular emergency, transfer to a tertiary care cardiology service, antithrombotic therapy, and invasive procedures, all of which carried inherent risk and significant cost. The case illustrates the presentation, workup, management, and natural history of typical stress cardiomyopathy while providing the opportunity to highlight the brain–heart axis and consequences of healthcare‐related stress.