Broken heart syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy)
About Broken heart syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy)
A temporary condition of the heart that occurs after a stressful event such as the death of a loved one. It is thought to occur because of a release of adrenalin (epinephrine) associated with the event. Patients can experience chest pain, breathing problems, irregular beating of the heart, or fluid buildup in the lungs. The symptoms can mimic a heart attack.Symptoms
Chest pain, breathing problems (shortness of breath), abnormal heart beat, racing heart (palpitations).Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical will be done. Other tests may be performed to rule out a blockage of a coronary artery as the cause of the symptoms or other diseases of the heart such as an infection.Common tests: Brain natrietic peptide, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Echocardiogram, EKG, Troponin, X-ray.
Conventional treatment summary
Patients are typically admitted to the hospital until the condition passes which can last up to a week. Blood pressure medications may be prescribed. If complications of the disorder such as abnormal heart rhythms or fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) develop, they also will be treated.Medical specialties
Cardiology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Broken heart syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy).