VALENTINE’S Day is a time when people who have been unlucky in love are said to suffer from a broken heart.

Farnham consultant cardiologist Dr Lydia Sturridge explained that broken heart syndrome can occur during highly stressful or emotional times, such as a painful break-up, the death of a spouse, the loss of a job or extreme anger.

Known medically as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack, including chest pain and difficulty breathing and can occur in people with completely healthy hearts.

Dr Sturridge, a member of the cardiology team at Spire Clare Park Hospital, said: “During an extremely stressful event the heart can be overwhelmed with a surge of adrenalin and other stress hormones.

“If patients are under the care of physicians familiar with this syndrome, even the most critically ill tend to make a quick and complete recovery within six to eight weeks.

“It is difficult to distinguish between broken heart syndrome and a heart attack, so anyone experiencing chest pains or difficulty in breathing should assume the worst and call 999 immediately.”

The good news is, like most love songs will tell you a broken heart will mend, and symptoms should over time disappear.

Now she is encouraging people to learn more about their hearts and along with Clare Park Cardiology, is supporting the National Heart Month that runs throughout February.

She continued: “Despite major national campaigns and massive media coverage of heart disease and how to keep it healthy, it is amazing how little people know about their most vital organ.

“Keeping your heart healthy is vital but so is taking action if you think something is wrong. The faster you seek expert advice the more likely it is that problems can be corrected. Ignoring the signs of heart problems is really not an option.”