Takotsubo syndrome, also known as broken heart syndrome, leads to sudden heart failure and affects 80 to 90 percent of women between the ages of 65 and 75. Triggered by emotional or physical stress, the symptoms resemble a heart attack without a coronary artery being occluded. The German Heart Foundation provides information about this serious disease as part of the nationwide Heart Weeks.

Typical triggers are emotional stress such as the death of a relative or physical stress such as extreme exertion. The apex of the heart dilates like a balloon, while the base of the heart functions normally. Stress hormones such as adrenaline rise sharply, damage heart muscle cells and impair blood circulation due to cramping of small coronary arteries. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or loss of consciousness, with no early warning signs.

Up to 50 percent of those affected suffer life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or circulatory shock. Diagnosis is made by cardiac catheterization, cardiac ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Blood values show slightly elevated cardiac enzymes, but strongly increased natriuretic peptides. Treatment includes diuretic medication, blood thinners and, in severe cases, ventilation or ventricular assist devices. Heart function usually returns to normal within a few days, but relapses occur in four to ten percent. In the long term, the risk of death remains elevated.

Experts emphasize the need for intensive monitoring and stress reduction, as no medication can prevent relapses.

Further information:

When the heart breaks: Takotsubo syndrome | Heart Foundation

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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