[Stress induced "Takotsubo" cardiomyopathy: you can die from a broken heart!].
Stress induced "Takotsubo" cardiomyopathy is a recently described cardiovascular syndrome mimicking acute myocardial infarction and characterised by reversible left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning in patients without coronary artery disease. It usually affects elderly women and is preceded by emotional or physical stress. With early diagnosis and aggressive therapy, the prognosis is favourable. The syndrome is probably underdiagnosed, and the pathophysiology may involve coronary vascular dysfunction, excessive sympathetic stimulation and left ventricular outflow obstruction.
Hansen
Peter Riis
PR
Gentofte Hospital, Kardiologisk Laboratorium, Hellerup. prh@dadlnet.dk
D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002423:Cause of Death; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis; D011379:Prognosis; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D013577:Syndrome; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000175:diagnosis