The Story of a Broken Heart: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Licensed independent practitioners in emergency clinical practice are tasked with differentiating acute cardiac presentations. Despite its similarity in clinical presentation to acute coronary syndrome, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a unique cardiac disorder characterized by a stress-induced ballooning of the myocardium. Also known as the broken heart syndrome, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy most frequently occurs after an overwhelming emotional or physical stressor. The subsequent impaired contractility of the heart places the patient at risk of complications, including acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, thromboembolism, arrhythmias, and left ventricular outflow obstruction. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is similar in presentation to other cardiac disorders; therefore, clinicians in emergency settings must be efficient and effective in their diagnosis of this disorder on the basis of its distinct criteria. The current article uses most recent evidence to describe the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and recommended treatment for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy to support licensed independent practitioners in emergency departments in improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity.

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Heart failure; Myocarditis; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.