It’s real – the medical name is Takotsubo syndrome and it affects middle age or older women who are ten times more often than men likely to be affected by it – and it’s on the rise.

Driven by loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship, various stressors challenge the brain.

An additional response to stress can affect the heart.

Mayo Clinic says “Some people who have chronic stress may have an increased risk for broken heart syndrome. Taking steps to manage emotional stress can improve heart health and may help prevent broken heart syndrome.”

It can be treated and possibly prevented by reducing stress – one effective way is to constantly ask yourself what price are you willing to pay for carrying around stress and anxiety?