What is takotsubo cardiomyopathy?

One striking example is the temporary heart condition known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken-heart syndrome, first described in 1990 in Japan. More than 90% of reported cases are in women ages 58 to 75.

What tests are used to diagnose takotsubo cardiomyopathy?

The tests and procedures for takotsubo cardiomyopathy are similar to those used to diagnose a heart attack. These tests include various blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), and echocardiography. A diagnosis is confirmed with cardiac angiography, an X-ray of the blood vessels performed with contrast dye in a cardiac catheterization laboratory.

How long do you stay in hospital for takotsubo cardiomyopathy?

People with takotsubo cardiomyopathy often need to stay in hospital for between 3 and 7 days. Medications commonly used to treat takotsubo cardiomyopathy include beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drugs. These drugs promote heart muscle recovery.

Which imaging techniques are used in the workup of tachycardia (TC)?

(16) Other helpful techniques are gated myocardial perfusion imaging, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. TC patients will usually also present a typical left ventriculogram, demonstrating the takotsubo-shaped left ventricle.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (also called stress induced cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning, or broken heart syndrome) was first described in Japan 20 years ago. 1 It is characterised by acute, reversible left ventricular dysfunction in a characteristic distribution, which does not correlate with the epicardial coronary artery blood supply.

What is a cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a medical term for a number of genetic and nongenetic diseases involving the heart muscle that adversely affect the heart’s mechanical pumping function and its electrical system. It can occur in people of all ages, races or genders, and it is a frequent cause of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death.

What increases my risk of cardiomyopathy?

There are a number of things that can increase your risk of cardiomyopathy, including: Conditions that affect the heart, including a past heart attack, coronary artery disease or an infection in the heart (ischemic cardiomyopathy)

What happens if cardiomyopathy is not treated?

Cardiomyopathy can lead to other heart conditions, including: Heart failure. Your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Untreated, heart failure can be life-threatening. Blood clots. Because your heart can’t pump effectively, blood clots might form in your heart.