What happens during takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or “Broken Heart Syndrome” is when the heart muscle becomes suddenly stunned or weakened. It mostly occurs following severe emotional or physical stress. The condition is temporary and most people recover within two months.
How is takotsubo treated?
Medications commonly used to treat takotsubo cardiomyopathy include beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drugs. These drugs promote heart muscle recovery. Anticoagulant drugs that interfere with blood clotting may be administered to avoid a stroke.
Is there a cure for takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
Often caused by emotional distress, takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare heart condition, sometimes called broken heart syndrome. Currently there are no approved treatments for the condition, but research is underway to remedy the situation.
Is takotsubo cardiomyopathy a heart attack?
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is generally a short-term (temporary) type of heart condition. It can be triggered by an intense emotional or physical stress. It causes sudden chest pain or shortness of breath. The symptoms of TCM can look like a heart attack.
How long is recovery from takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
Most individuals that develop takotsubo cardiomyopathy fully recover within one month, and recurrence is rare. However, complications occur in about 20% of patients.
Is takotsubo cardiomyopathy usually fatal?
Death is rare, but heart failure occurs in about 20% of patients. Rarely reported complications include arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle, and rupture of the ventricle wall.
Can takotsubo cardiomyopathy be permanent?
Takotsubo doesn’t always result in permanent damage to the heart, although full recovery may take some time. Recent research shows the effects may last much longer than first thought. Complications related to the initial takotsubo event can include: cardiac arrest (in very rare cases)
Can broken heart syndrome be healed?
The bad news: Broken heart syndrome can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure. The good news: Broken heart syndrome is usually treatable. Most people who experience it make a full recovery within weeks, and they’re at low risk for it happening again (although in rare cases it can be fatal).
Can you fully recover from broken heart syndrome?
Many people with broken heart syndrome fully recover within a month or so. You’ll likely need to have another echocardiogram around 4 to 6 weeks after you first had symptoms to be sure your heart has recovered.
What is the life expectancy of someone with cardiomyopathy?
The majority of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have no symptoms and most have a near-normal life expectancy. In some cases, sudden cardiac death is the first symptom of the illness. Patients who have symptoms at a younger age often have higher mortality rates.
Can takotsubo be fatal?
Is broken heart syndrome permanent?
Broken heart syndrome is a temporary condition for most people. You’ll likely recover without any long-term heart problems because your heart muscle is not permanently damaged. Full recovery is usually made in few days to a few weeks after your stress-induced event.