Woman diagnosed with 'broken heart syndrome' mistook wasabi for avocado

[sl8]

From https://www.ktre.com/2019/09/24/woman-diagnosed-with-broken-heart-syndrome-mistook-wasabi-avocado/

Woman diagnosed with ‘broken heart syndrome’ mistook wasabi for avocado

An Israeli woman ate what she thought was avocado dip at a wedding. It was actually wasabi paste, a notoriously spicy Japanese horseradish. (Source: Pexels)

By Jordan Smith | September 24, 2019 at 5:21 PM CDT - Updated September 24 at 5:29 PM

(Gray News) - Although rare, it’s not unheard of for the human heart to experience takotsubo cardiomyopathy, better known as broken heart syndrome, after extreme emotional stress.

The death of a spouse, loss of a pet or even experiencing a bad car wreck can trigger the temporary disruption of the heart’s regular pumping function.

According to a study published by BMJ Case Reports 2019, we can now add food consumption to that list. An elderly Israeli woman ate a large amount of what she thought was avocado dip at a wedding.

In reality, it was wasabi paste. Those who partake in Japanese cuisine understand that wasabi is notoriously spicy.

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More at link.

[jcgoldie]

1. How do you eat "a large amount" of wasabi before you realize its horseradish not avocado?

I mean its pretty instantly obvious... the large amount was one huge bite?

[3Hotdogs]

2. Happened to me about 30 years ago.

Japanese restaurant, my first time in one. Place was darkly lit -- atmosphere.

Anyways, it was scooped and looked like egg yoke -- 'nuf said. The heat doesn't hit, instantly.

[oasis]

7. Same thing happened to me years ago at a dimly lit Vegas buffet.

While in the serving line I placed a large scoop of horseradish alongside the mashed potatoes on my plate. After setting down, I put a generous forkful of horseradish into my mouth. Although I immediately drank a tumbler of ice water, my whole mouth was on fire throughout the entire meal. Ruined a $30 dinner.

[JI7]

3. if she thought it was just avocado dip you can easily take a large amount in one bite

it probably woudln't be considered that large amount for avocado dip but wasabi in that same amount would be too much.

[JHB]

6. The answer to your question is "In one quick bite"

And it's not instantaneous, not like that. Thinly spread, the way it's supposed to be used, it would be obvious. When it's a case of mistaken identity, however, it takes a second or two past the point of no return to realize you've made a horrible mistake.

[Codeine]

10. In a dark restaurant

I once picked up a delicious-looking stuffed grape leaf and took a huge bite.

It was a roasted jalapeño. I don’t do spicy, and honestly thought I was going to faint.

[oasis]

4. Very sad. Host/caterers should have labeled the server dish.

[samnsara]

5. thats why they have Ginger! Cuts the heat..

[Prosper]

8. First wasabi experience was scary.

The wasabi was about a quarter teaspoon size on the edge of my plate. Not knowing about wasabi that it was so hot or that it was supposed to be mixed with soy sauce to make a dip I put the whole dab on the end of an egg roll. One small bite and I got all the wasabi and some egg roll. Immediately the inside of my nostrils were on fire. I jumped up and rushed to the restroom. Spitting everything out i was sweating profusely, had cold chills and felt like the top of my head was going to blow up. I remember every part of that event from seeing the wasabi on the edge of the plate to gargling water in the bathroom like it was last night, and it was 35 years ago.

[Hugin]

9. I witnessed someone tear the arms off of a chair after eating a handful of...

wasabi peas.

He was no wasabi novice, either. He said this particular batch was so hot he couldn't scream. (or breathe)

I told him, "That's what you get for buying food at Marshalls."

[Prosper]

11. A guy that was dating a friend of ours can eat a teaspoon full of wasabi

without blinking an eye. I told him he ought to see a doctor. I told him if somebody rings a bell and everybody hears it but you, you might have a problem. He is a pilot instructor (Nathan) for private licenses and said nothing ever came up in his physicals.
I ran a boat in the amphibious Navy and did some training operations with Navy Seals. There is nothing those guys won't do if challenged by another Seal when out partying. Saw one drink a bottle of McIlhenny Tobasco sauce when dared by another Seal.