Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD. Last updated Aug 6, 2022

 

What is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a short-term heart condition caused due to stress. It exhibits the same signs similar to a heart attack however it doesn’t have a related cardiovascular disease.

It’s often referred to by the names stress cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning also known as broken heart syndrome.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy typically affects women aged between 61-76 years. The condition typically manifests when there is a lot of physical or emotional stress.

The latest information on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

• People suffering from takotsubo cardiomyopathy frequently mistake it as a heart attack.
• Takotsubo cardiomyopathy may be provoked by emotional experiences.
• It can be accompanied by chest pain or breathlessness.
• The condition is typically managed with a brief stay in an institution.
• The majority of patients recover from takotsubo cardiomyopathy in several days or an entire week.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was first diagnosed in Japan in the year 1990. It has since been reported across the globe.

It is known as “takotsubo” cardiomyopathy because during the acute phase of the condition the left ventricle expands and develops an inflated shape. The design is similar to the Japanese fisherman’s tako tsubo, which is an octopus trap.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy develops abruptly and inexplicably, with symptoms of chest pain, breathlessness, and fainting.

The condition is typically brought on by an emotional or physical traumatizing event. It is typically seen in women who are between the age of 61 to the age of 76.

 Risk factors

Many people suffering from takotsubo cardiac myopathy require urgent treatment due to fears that they could be suffering from heart attacks. While it may have similar symptoms as a heart attack, patients with takotsubo cardiac disease show no signs of blocked coronary arteries and are able to recover rapidly.

Causes

The exact cause for the disorder is unknown however, studies suggest that the abrupt production of hormones that trigger stress like norepinephrine and epinephrine and dopamine “stuns” the heart.

The heart’s beating causes changes in the heart muscle cells and blood vessels in the coronary region.

This hormone action reduces the strength of the left ventricle which prevents it from pumping the vital oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

While around 28.5 percent of people on the Source do not have a clear trigger Takotsubo myopathy is usually caused by an unexpected emotional or physically stress-inducing event.

Things that may cause takotsubo cardiomyopathy are:

• the sudden loss of a beloved one
• Domestic abuse
• natural disasters
• a motor vehicle accident
• a fierce argument
• Conflicts in relationships
• severe financial or gambling losses
• getting diagnosed with a medical issue
• physically exhausting
• surgery
• a medical emergency that is acute
• Trauma to the head
• public speaking
• extreme terror

A few cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy have been discovered after the use of cocaine and excessive use of stimulants or during withdrawal from opiates.

People suffering from certain mood disorders may be more likely than other people to develop takotsubo cardiac myopathy.

Certain cases associated with takotsubo cardiomyopathy have occurred following positive stressors like winning the lottery or attending a surprise celebration.

It is unclear what triggers a stressful experience. causes this condition however, a similar event, it might not occur at a different moment.

Additionally, researchers aren’t sure the reason why it is mostly older women who suffer from Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. A decline of estrogen activity could be a factor in older women.

Symptoms

The most frequent signs that are a sign of takotsubo cardiomyopathy include:

• chest pain
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness or fainting

The symptoms can be seen within a couple of minutes to several hours after exposure to the stress. Since there is no way to determine whether these symptoms stem from an attack on the heart or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. They must be considered an immediate emergency.

 

Diagnosis

The methods and tests used to diagnose takotsubo cardiomyopathy are the same as the tests used to diagnose a heart attack. These tests comprise a variety of tests of blood and electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiography.

The diagnosis is confirmed by cardiac angiography, which is an examination of blood vessels by X-ray that is performed using a contrast dye in a heart catheterization lab.

Treatment

A patient with takotsubo cardiomyopathy requires support in the hospital till left ventricular function can be returned for the heart.

Patients suffering from takotsubo cardiomyopathy usually require hospitalization for between 3 and 7 days.

The most commonly prescribed medications to treat takotsubo cardiomyopathy are beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medications aid in the recovery of the heart muscle.

Anticoagulants that hinder blood clotting can be prescribed to prevent strokes. stroke.

A complete recovery is usually seen within one to three months.

Beta-blocker medications or anti-anxiety drugs can be prescribed for a long duration to manage the release from stress hormones. It is also essential to reduce or control the stress that could be responsible for creating the condition.

Life-threatening issues can be:

• heart failure
• severe heart arrhythmias
• blood the clot
• heart valve problems
• shocks that cause cardiogenic heart

In rarer instances, takotsubo cardiomyopathy can lead to death.

A close follow-up by a cardiologist is essential in order to determine the long-term consequences of takotsubo cardiac myopathy are undetermined.

The condition isn’t due to underlying heart disease but it could be caused by the harmful effect of the stress hormones on the heart muscle and blood vessels.

If diagnosed early, with treatment that is supportive and followed-up treatment The majority of patients suffering from takotsubo cardiomyopathy heal quickly and do not suffer long-term heart damage.