TIME does not heal broken hearts, according to new research by North-east medics.

Acute stress induced cardiomyopathy, also known as ‘broken heart syndrome’, is often triggered by episodes of major stress, such as bereavements, accidents or divorce.

The symptoms can be mistaken for a heart attack as people normally suffer severe chest pains, but no blockage is found.

The condition had been thought to recover spontaneously. But research led by the University of Aberdeen has found it does not heal to the degree originally thought.

Dr Dana Dawson, a senior lecturer in cardiovascular medicine at the university and consultant cardiologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, followed up patients for four months after they experienced the condition.

She said: “The general belief was this condition was recovering itself very rapidly, but this was obviously not the case when we investigated in greater detail.”

Michael Strachan, of Banchory, was diagnosed with acute stress induced cardiomyopathy in August.

It came about after a period of juggling full-time work and caring for wife Sheila, who had suffered a stroke.

Mr Strachan was involved in the university’s research and hopes it will lead to better understanding of the condition.