The Broken Heart Syndrome: AKA Stress Cardiomyopathy

Studies have shown that sudden emotional stress can trigger a severe but reversible heart muscle weakness that mimics a heart attack. This condition is "Stress Cardiomyopathy" and is sometimes called "The Broken Heart Syndrome" or the "Love Trauma Syndrome".

First described in Japan 15 years ago, Broken Heart Syndrome occurs because reactive trauma floods the body with adrenaline and similar stress hormones, which over-stimulate the nervous system and stun the heart muscle.

Luckily, unlike a heart attack, Broken Heart Syndrome is reversible if diagnosed early. Patients are hospitalized and can recover within days - with no permanent damage to their hearts. Once medical issues are stabilized, seeking a trained mental health specialist will help cure the emotional trauma.

So tell the Bee Gees that's how you mend a broken heart.