Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a sequela of elective direct-current cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

Jonathan S Siegfried1, Satjit Bhusri1, Nils Guttenplan1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY 10021.

Insights

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, mimicking heart attack without artery blockage, can be triggered by stress. This case highlights a potential link between cardioversion for atrial fibrillation and this condition, with full recovery observed.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Takotsubo cardiomyopathy presents as acute myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease.
  • It is often triggered by significant physical or psychological stress.
  • The underlying mechanism is hypothesized to involve catecholamine excess.

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