broken heart is real condition. The medical name for it is takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It is caused by severe emotional or physical stress. This stress can come from losing loved one or breaking up with romantic partner. Doctors think they have cure for it. Researchers at Aberdeen University in Scotland conducted 12-week test on 76 people with broken heart syndrome. patients had a weekly counselling session. They also took part in exercise programme, which included aerobics, cycling and swimming. British Heart Foundation said it was surprised by how much counselling "improved heart function and patients' fitness".
Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide suffer from broken heart syndrome. It mainly affects women and can double risk of dying early. The syndrome may explain why spouse dies soon after their partner's death. Sufferers feel like they are having heart attack. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The syndrome makes heart change shape. The heart becomes rounder, like octopus. "Takotsubo" is Japanese word. It means round pot used to catch octopus. Lead researcher Dr David Gamble said his research highlights importance of brain-heart relationship. He said mental and physical therapy can help sufferers.
