Exercise<\/a> and therapy could help cure a broken heart, a condition diagnosed in 5,000 Britons each year<\/a>, according to new research.<\/p>\n Known as Takotsubo syndrome<\/a>, the condition occurs when the heart muscle weakens and changes shape. It is often caused by severe emotional or physical stress, such as bereavement<\/a>.<\/p>\n The syndrome mimics the symptoms of a heart attack and doubles the risk of early death for those affected.<\/p>\n Dr David Gamble, from the University of Aberdeen<\/a>, said: \u201cIn Takotsubo syndrome, there are serious effects on the heart, which may not return to normal. We know that patients can be affected for the rest of their lives and that their long-term heart health is similar to people who have survived a heart attack.\u201d<\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Those in the heart recovery programme underwent 12 weeks of prescribed exercise (PA Wire)<\/p>\n The trial was the first of its kind and funded by the British Heart Foundation<\/a> and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid<\/a>, the world\u2019s largest heart conference.<\/p>\n It was found that cognitive behavioural therapy and a heart recovery exercise programme resulted in physical improvements in patients with Takotsubo syndrome<\/p>\n Dr Gamble said: \u201cThese results further highlight the importance of \u2018the brain-heart axis\u2019. It shows that cognitive behavioural therapy or exercise could help patients along the road to recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n The trial randomly assigned 76 patients diagnosed with the condition to receive cognitive behavioural therapy, an exercise programme, or standard care. Those in the exercise programme were prescribed several forms of exercise, including cycling, running, and swimming, over the course of 12 weeks.<\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Those in the exercise programme could walk an average of 528 metres in six minutes by the end of the trial, up from an average of 457 metres (Getty\/iStock)<\/p>\n By the end of the trial, those in the exercise programme could walk an average of 528 metres in six minutes, up from an average of 457 metres beforehand. They also had an improved ability to consume oxygen by 18 per cent.<\/p>\n It saw similar results for those who received therapy, with an increase of 458 metres in six minutes, up from 402 metres, and an oxygen consumption improvement of 15 per cent.<\/p>\n There were minimal heart health improvements in the patients who received the standard care.<\/p>\n![\"Those](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/08\/26\/00\/8828fe65c1b3f327741f64a4c9906195Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzU2MjAwNDQ0-2.79533670.jpg\")
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