Why you can die of a broken heart

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We are all familiar with the term “a broken heart” to describe the terrible sadness we feel after the loss of a loved one. Only recently doctors have worked out what happens when the heart can stop beating as a result of an emotional event. Medically it’s not the same as a heart attack, but it can be very serious. Dr Alexander Lyon cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London explained what’s called Takotsubo syndrome to Mark Porter. (Picture: Getty Images)