Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (also called stress cardiomyopathy, broken heart syndrome, or apical ballooning syndrome) is a temporary heart condition in which the heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) becomes weakened and changes shape, often after severe emotional or physical stress.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Why is it called "Takotsubo"?
The name comes from a Japanese octopus trap ("takotsubo"), because the left ventricle often takes on a similar balloon-like shape during the condition.
Common Triggers
Emotional stress:
Death of a loved one
Divorce or relationship problems
Financial loss
Intense fear or anxiety
Physical stress:
Major surgery
Severe illness
Stroke
Asthma attack
Trauma
Symptoms
Symptoms can closely mimic a heart attack:
Sudden chest pain
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
Fainting (less common)
How It Differs from a Heart Attack
FeatureTakotsubo CardiomyopathyHeart Attack
Coronary artery blockageUsually absentPresent
TriggerOften stress-relatedUsually plaque rupture/clot
Heart muscle damageUsually temporaryOften permanent
RecoveryDays to weeks/monthsVariable
Diagnosis
Tests may include:
ECG (often abnormal)
Cardiac biomarkers (troponin may be elevated)
Echocardiogram
Coronary angiography (shows no significant blockage)
Cardiac MRI
Treatment
Treatment is generally supportive and may include:
Beta-blockers
ACE inhibitors or ARBs
Diuretics (if heart failure symptoms are present)
Treatment of the underlying stressor or illness
Prognosis
Most patients recover normal heart function within weeks to months.
Recurrence occurs in a minority of patients.
Although often reversible, serious complications can occur, including:
Heart failure
Cardiogenic shock
Arrhythmias
Rarely, death.