Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
10:08

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a review of the literature

Ida Pernicova1, Scot Garg, Christos V Bourantas

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, United Kingdom. idaper@seznam.cz

Angiology
|July 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a rare condition mimicking heart attacks, requires more research into its causes and best treatments. This review covers current literature and a case study.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is increasingly recognized.
  • It presents similarly to acute myocardial infarction but has distinct pathophysiology.
  • Despite growing awareness since 1991, its etiology and optimal management remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current literature on takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
  • To present a typical case with illustrative images.
  • To highlight the importance of considering TTC in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
  • Case report presentation with clinical, electrocardiographic, and imaging findings.

Main Results:

  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy shares clinical and electrocardiographic features with myocardial infarction.
  • Etiology and optimal management strategies are still under investigation.
  • The review provides insights into the current understanding of the condition.

Conclusions:

  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a critical differential diagnosis in patients with acute heart attack symptoms.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and guide therapeutic decisions.
  • Understanding TTC is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...