Health Tip: A Broken Heart Can Make You Sick

(HealthDay News) -- The sudden shock of losing a loved one, a failed romance, even losing a job, can all trigger a series of symptoms that mimic a serious heart attack, researchers at Johns Hopkins University say.

That''s because sudden emotional stress can cause adrenalin to spike and stun the heart, causing severe heart muscle weakness.

Doctors call the condition stress cardiomyopathy, but it''s often described to patients as "broken heart syndrome."

The good news? It''s usually treatable, and it rarely causes permanent damage.

But check with your doctor immediately if you think you''re having a heart attack, just to make sure.

-- Deborah DiSesa Hirsch

Last Updated: Feb. 3, 2006