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Friday, October 25, 2024 –Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been diagnosed with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, commonly known as “broken heart” syndrome. This condition affects the heart’s ability to pump efficiently by weakening the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber.
According to Doctor Gikonyo at Karen Hospital, Former Deputy President Mr. 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.
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, 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.
“He was admitted with severe chest pain, and we are running tests, including ECGs. He is stable for now,” Dr Gikonyo said.
Gachagua’s lead counsel, Paul Muite, informed the Senate that doctors had prescribed complete rest, which prevented him from attending the impeachment trial.
However, the Senate proceeded with the motion, ultimately voting to remove him from office.
Following his discharge, Gachagua commented on his turbulent year in office: “This past year has been hell. I’ve been treated like an animal.”
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.
