Takotsubo cardiomyoathy, also termed 'stress cardiomyopathy' or 'broken heart syndrome' is a sudden weakening of the heart muscles, often in response to an episode of intense emotional or physical stress. The main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle, weakens in a peculiar pattern, resulting in a shape like a Japanese octopus pot ('Takotsubo'), thus the name.
The exact cause of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is unknown. Contributing factors will include:
This condition often mimics an acute myocardial infarction ('heart attack'). The long-term outcome for this condition is generally good, with most patients recovering their heart function completely over time.
Amyloid cardiomyopathy is diagnosed by cardiologists, by integrating various clinical information, including:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a transient condition for most of the patients. The heart weakening often recover given time and many patients recover their heart functions completely. While waiting for heart recovery, patients are often put on medications which can potentially improve their heart functions.
Patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy often need repeat cardiac imaging studies to look for signs of heart recovery.
The Cardiomyopathy Clinic at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) provides a comprehensive evaluation and treatment service for patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Panel A: Echocardiogram of a normal left ventricle (LV) during contraction phase
Panel B: Echocardiogram of a Takotsubo cardiomyopathy patient's heart during contraction phase, with weakness/ bulging of the apex of the heart (white arrows), giving it the characteristic 'Takotsubo' (Japanese octopus pot) appearance
Left ventricular angiogram during left ventricular contraction, showing the characteristic 'Takotsubo' (Japanese octopus pot) appearance of the left ventricle.
