How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?

Course overview

Stress cardiomyopathy (also known as transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome) is a condition that mimics a myocardial infarction in the absence of significant coronary artery disease. Stress cardiomyopathy causes a temporary ballooning, or hyperexpansion, of the apical portion of the left ventricle. Broken heart syndrome is a real condition. Even though the incidence is unknown and the pathogenesis is not fully understood, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical management are possible after a clinical history and minimally invasive testing. With appropriate diagnosis, treatment is likely to succeed with no long-term complications. Early recognition of the condition and immediate, appropriate care can be instrumental in the recovery of these otherwise healthy people. This module discusses current theories about the origin of stress cardiomyopathy, diagnosis, and treatment.