---
title: "Broken Heart Syndrome: A Different Kind of Heart Attack"
description: "<p>This Valentine’s Day, you may treat a few broken-hearted patients. As a medical student, you may know that a broken heart is an actual medical condition called <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www."
image: https://blog.amboss.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SOCIAL_Valentines_BrokenHeart_IG-2.jpg
---

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# Broken Heart Syndrome: A Different Kind of Heart Attack

[Kristy Crowley](https://blog.amboss.com/us/author/kristy-crowley) - Feb 06, 2018

![](https://blog.amboss.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SOCIAL_Valentines_BrokenHeart_IG-2.jpg)

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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, named after a Japanese octopus trap, primarily affects elderly women. The first reported takotsubo cardiomyopathy case in the United States was recorded in 1998. Symptoms include sudden, intense chest pain and shortness of breath, which is often mistaken for a myocardial infarction. Unlike a myocardial infarction, there is usually no evidence for obstructive coronary artery disease. In most cases, the effects of broken heart syndrome reverse quickly without any lasting damage to the heart. 

To prepare yourself for the wards this Valentine’s Day, review your broken heart knowledge over at our [Knowledge Library](https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/Cardiomyopathy).

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