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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy - the broken heart syndrome

Jelena Vučković Filipović1, Goran Davidović, Violeta Irić Ćupić

  • 1Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Centre of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia. jelenavu@eunet.rs

Medicinski Glasnik : Official Publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
|August 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A seventy-year-old woman experienced acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after emotional stress. Despite normal coronary arteries, elevated cardiac enzymes and electrocardiogram changes suggested ACS or myocarditis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Stress Cardiomyopathy

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
  • Emotional stress can precipitate cardiac events, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Observation:

  • A seventy-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of ACS following acute emotional stress.
  • Coronary angiography showed no significant blockages in the coronary arteries.
  • Cardiac enzymes and catecholamine levels were elevated.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed changes consistent with either ACS or myocarditis.

Findings:

  • The case highlights a specific presentation of ACS potentially triggered by severe emotional stress.
  • Diagnostic findings included elevated cardiac biomarkers and specific ECG abnormalities despite angiographically normal coronary arteries.
  • This presentation mimics myocardial infarction but without obstructive coronary artery disease.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering stress-induced cardiomyopathy in the differential diagnosis of ACS, especially in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.
  • Recognizing the link between emotional stress and cardiac events is crucial for patient management and prevention strategies.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of stress-induced cardiac injury is warranted.

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