The Mayo Clinic acknowledges it; the American Heart Association affirms its existence. Broken-heart syndrome is indeed a real medical condition.

When it does occur, it feels like a real heart attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, the affected person gets chest pain, experiences shortness of breath and even "a very rapid or irregular heartbeat."

However, unlike a cardiac arrest, the symptoms are not caused by high cholesterol levels or clogged arteries but stress, mostly of the emotional sort. It is a temporary condition that is a result of "the heart's reaction to a surge of stress hormones."

Also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the broken-heart syndrome is more likely to occur among women than men, according to the American Heart Association. Postmenopausal women are more likely to experience it, although young women also are at risk. It may be triggered by the death of a loved one, a breakup, divorce, betrayal, or even physical separation. It can also occur in the aftermath of a shocking experience, like winning the lottery.

As detailed in Mayo Clinic's primer, certain medications may also cause the temporary cardiac condition, such as EpiPens, duloxetine (for nerve problems among diabetics), and venlafaxine (for depression).

As per AHA, a portion of the heart temporarily balloons and thus doesn't pump properly. However, all other parts of the heart function normally or may produce stronger contractions. Right now, researchers are just beginning to learn more about the broken-heart syndrome, particularly its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

You need not worry much about this condition as it is entirely preventable and can be treated. The majority of those affected by broken-heart syndrome manage to recover after a few weeks and may not be likely to experience it again, provided the necessary precautions have been taken.

The worst case scenario, however, is that it may lead to short-term, severe heart failure.

There are ways to prevent being affected by this syndrome, as listed in a Latina piece: Find ways to relax after an emotionally stressful event. If you've just broken up with your partner, try seeing your friends more and do other things to keep your mind off the heartache, except bingeing on food or alcohol, of course. You can also try doing yoga and other relaxing exercises, even meditation.

If your doctor has good reason to think that you have it, you will be advised to undergo tests, such as coronary angiography, EKG and blood tests. An echocardiography, which is painless, or a cardiac MRI may also be recommended by your doctor, depending on a number of factors.

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