The term "broken heart" has been commonly used in association with relationships where one or both parties are seriously affected through a separation. The severity of this feeling can be the deciding factor on whether or not you experience something similar to a heart attack, the symptoms of a broken heart can include: chest pain, and difficulty breathing which can be mistaken for cardiac arrest. Other technical terms for this condition are; "stress induced cardiomyopathy", "Takosubo's cardiomyopathy", and Transient apical ballooning syndrome". Broken heart syndrome is more prevalent in women over 50, however... it can affect both men and those in a younger period of their life. The underlying cause has not yet been discovered but has been found to be reversible with no prolonged side effects; with normal functioning re-occurring after a short period of time.
Most people at least once will experience what they feel to be a broken heart at least once in their lives. It is shocking knowing that a break up can cause not only sever emotional and mental anguish but can simulate a cardiac catastrophe. Although I believe that when people split in a relationship that they do experience a great deal of pain, I don't feel that terming it "heart broken" is justified. I think a bond has to be made between two people, a bond that is sustained through a lifetime which through thick and thin came out untainted. It is only when this type of bond is torn from you that the full burden of a broken heart can feel truly consuming. However as cliche as it is, a broken heart is indeed healed over time, the brain has a remarkable ability to adjust to situations, no matter how bad they may seem. So no matter what, there is always light at the end of the tunnel :)
If you would like more information on this topic then follow the link below:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150210130502.htm
