February marks Heart Month and doctors want to make you aware of a serious heart condition that can be devastating.

St. Vincent's Medical Center doctors say that broken heart syndrome, despite the name, does exist.

They say it is caused by severely stressful situations, heartbreaking situations or severe physical illnesses.

Dr. Venu Channamsetty says recently, a patient lost her son and the shock of hearing that news caused her to have the syndrome.

He says when broken heart syndrome happens, the heart takes on the shape of an octopus trap.

Channamsetty says that fortunately, broken heart syndrome doesn't always lead to death and most people recover.

He says if you have shortness of breath or chest pain, get to a doctor immediately.

Doctors say broken heart syndrome is rare. An international study showed that the death rate was 4%.