MANILA, Philippines—A cardiothoracic surgeon on Friday warned that heartbreak—or severe emotional stress—can manifest physically. Dr. Avenilo Aventura Jr., Director II of the Philippine Heart Association, told The Manila Times that the condition was called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, otherwise known as "broken heart syndrome." “Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimics a heart attack without blocked arteries. It involves sudden weakening of the heart muscle, which can manifest as chest heaviness, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rate,” Adventura said. He noted that emotional stress could also increase stress hormones—such as cortisol and adrenaline—which increase heart rate and blood pressure.