Tako-tsubo syndrome

Tako-tsubo Syndrome Tako-tsubo syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or "broken heart syndrome," is a temporary heart condition that is often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions. It is characterized by a sudden weakening of the heart muscle, leading to symptoms similar to those of a heart attack.

Overview

Tako-tsubo syndrome was first described in Japan in 1990 and is named after an octopus trap ("tako-tsubo") because the left ventricle of the heart takes on a shape resembling the trap during the condition. Unlike a heart attack, there is no blockage of the coronary arteries in Tako-tsubo syndrome.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Tako-tsubo syndrome can mimic those of a heart attack and may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Fainting

Causes

The exact cause of Tako-tsubo syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to be triggered by a surge of stress hormones such as adrenaline. This surge can be caused by:

• Emotional stress (e.g., death of a loved one, divorce)
• Physical stress (e.g., surgery, asthma attack)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Tako-tsubo syndrome involves several steps:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Blood tests: To measure levels of cardiac enzymes.
• Echocardiogram: To visualize the heart's movement and structure.
• Coronary angiography: To rule out blocked arteries.

Treatment

Treatment for Tako-tsubo syndrome is generally supportive and may include:

• Medications such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors to reduce stress on the heart.
• Diuretics to remove excess fluid.
• Lifestyle changes to manage stress.

Prognosis

Most patients recover fully within a few weeks to months, although some may experience complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. Recurrence is possible but rare.

Epidemiology

Tako-tsubo syndrome is more common in postmenopausal women, although it can occur in men and younger individuals. It accounts for about 1-2% of all cases of suspected acute coronary syndrome.

See Also

• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart attack
• Stress (biology)

,

 Apical ballooning syndrome (Tako-tsubo or stress cardiomyopathy): a mimic of acute myocardial infarction, 
 American Heart Journal, 
 2008, 
 Vol. 155(Issue: 3), 
 pp. 408 417, 
 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2007.11.008,

,

 Tako-tsubo Syndrome: Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, and Treatment, 
  
 Springer, 
 2016,

External Links

• [American Heart Association - Tako-tsubo Cardiomyopathy](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/tako-tsubo-cardiomyopathy)

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Tako-tsubo syndrome

Tako-tsubo syndrome is a rare disease.