survival,” he said, adding that the reverse is also true. Still, the study did not prove that one causes the other.
Broken heart syndrome causes sudden intense chest pain and shortness of breath that can be mistaken for a heart attack. These symptoms are a reaction to a sudden surge in stress hormones, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
The condition causes the heart’s main pumping chamber to enlarge, the researchers said. And that means the heart can’t pump blood effectively.
Broken heart syndrome can happen after just about any intensely emotional experience. The death of a loved one, a breakup or divorce, financial problems and even an intensely positive experience like winning the lottery can trigger broken heart syndrome, the AHA said.
Major physical stress can also trigger broken heart syndrome. A physical trauma or surgery, respiratory failure and infections are examples of