Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as "broken heart" syndrome, a condition that weakens the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle.

According to Harvard, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy—also called stress cardiomyopathy—occurs when the lower part of the left ventricle balloons out with each heartbeat, causing the ventricle to resemble the tako-tsubo, a Japanese octopus trap.

While the exact cause remains unknown, stress, both emotional and physical, is believed to trigger the condition.

On October 17 during his impeachment trial, Gachagua experienced "intense chest pains" and was rushed to Karen Hospital just before his scheduled cross-examination in the Senate's impeachment trial against him.

His doctor, Dan Gikonyo, confirmed the diagnosis and advised 72 hours of observation.

Dr Gikonyo noted that persons over 50, especially under prolonged high stress, are particularly vulnerable to this condition.

Dr Howard E. LeWine, chief medical editor at Harvard, explains that broken heart syndrome is often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, such as the sudden loss of a loved one, a serious accident, or a traumatic event.

Symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack, including chest pains and shortness of breath, but without the arterial blockages typical of a heart attack. Patients may also experience sudden fatigue, cold sweats, or dizziness.

Dr LeWine states that broken heart syndrome results from surges in stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can "stun" the heart, causing changes in muscle cells or blood vessels that prevent the left ventricle from contracting effectively.