• The exact cause is unknown. The extreme stress can release hormones, sush as, adrenaline which can cause temporary heart damage. It occurs following an intense physical or emotional event and may include:
• Grief from unexpected death or illness of a close relative
• Divorce
• A surprise party
• Sporting triumph
• Domestic abuse
• Vehicular accident
• Having to perform publicly
• Bad news such as a frightening medical diagnosis
• Financial loss or job loss
• A major surgery
• Strong arguments, betrayal
• Asthma attack
• Risk factors include:
• Gender - more common among women
• Age - more common after 50 years or older
• Neurological conditions - persons with certain neurological conditions such as head injury, epilepsy are at highr risk
• Psychiatric conditions - people suffering from anxiety, mood disorders are at higher risk

Complications may occur in around 20% of the cases and may include:

• Ventricular arrhythmias
• Clot formation in the left ventricle
• Left ventricular free wall rupture
• Left heart failure with and without pulmonary edema
• Very low blood pressure