A woman who collapsed with “broken heart syndrome” during Rod Stewart’s sell-out Carlisle gig, has paid tribute to hospital staff who treated her.

The woman, who is 70, was attending the Brunton Park concert with her daughter when she began to feel chest pains shortly after the legendary singer arrived on stage.

She said the pains continued throughout the performance – as well as overnight – and she went to hospital the following morning.

She received an angiogram and Dr Madhusudhan Varma, consultant interventional cardiologist, later diagnosed her with the rare takotsubo cardiomyopathy – also known as broken heart syndrome.

“Broken heart syndrome is a temporary heart condition that’s often brought on by stressful situations, such as the death of a loved one,” Dr Varma said.

“People with broken heart syndrome may have sudden chest pain or think they are having a heart attack.

“There is a temporary disruption of your heart’s normal pumping function, while the remainder of the heart functions normally or even with more forceful contractions.

“The syndrome is associated with a reaction to a surge of stress hormones and is treatable.

“It is nicknamed ‘broken heart’ as it has been associated with people suffering bereavement.

“It is unusual to see it happen when somebody is more likely to be feeling elation at an event such as a live concert.”

The woman, who suffered a heart attack five years ago, said: “It started the minute Rod came on stage. I thought it must have been heartburn and I tried to just enjoy the concert but the pain was constant.

“My husband picked us up after the concert and the pain persisted through the night so I went to my GP the following morning who decided to admit me to hospital.”

She took time to praise staff at the Cumberland Infirmary for the care she received after arriving in hospital.

“I have had brilliant care from the moment I arrived in the A&E department on Wednesday,” she continued. “I didn’t expect to have an angiogram within 20 minutes of being admitted.

“The doctors and nurses have all been excellent and can’t do enough for you. My daughter asked if I’d like another chance to see Rod Stewart – but not if this happens again.”

The ageing rocker wowed crowds during last Tuesday night’s performance, playing a 25-song set which had the crowd dancing in the aisles.