Broken heart syndrome is real - here's how physical and emotional stress can affect your heart
Broken heart syndrome feels similar to a heart attack, and the most common signs of the condition are chest pain and shortness of breath. However, broken heart syndrome is caused by intense physical or emotional stress, such as distressing news like the death of a loved one. Broken heart syndrome is short-term and treatable, but it's important to seek medical help to prevent lasting heart damage. A broken heart may conjure up bittersweet stories and love songs - but experiencing a traumatic event may actually cause cardiac consequences. Broken heart syndrome, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, occurs when someone experiences sudden and acute physical or emotional stress, which can rapidly weaken the heart's left ventricle. Here's what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for broken heart syndrome. What is broken heart syndrome? Broken heart syndrome, which was first described in Japan during the 1990s, is a condition where the left ventricle - t...