LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Love may be in the air for some around Valentine's Day, but it isn't the case for those experiencing heartbreak.
Doctors say "broken heart syndrome" is a real condition. The scientific term is stress-induced cardiomyopathy, or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
The condition is brought on by extreme stress hormones or emotions like a breakup, death, or losing a job.
Those diagnosed with broken heart syndrome have a part of their heart not pumping well and is usually enlarged while the rest of the heart functions normally or with more forceful contractions.
It can also mimic a heart attack. While it's less dangerous, it's not completely danger-free.
"Many people come in with chest pain, chest pressure, not feeling right, feeling rundown and tired, some people have shortness of breath that they can't explain why they're having it. Others might feel faint or pass out. Occasionally, people might feel that their heart is racing without reason," Dr. Dinesh Kalra, UofL Health Chief of Cardiology, said.
Symptoms are typically treatable, and the condition can reverse itself in weeks. If you have any concerns, you should contact your primary care doctor.
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