Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which is also known as Takotsubo syndrome, is a brief situation where the heart muscle becomes weak or stunned suddenly. In this scenario, the left ventricle changes the shape and enlarges, making it difficult for the heart to pump the blood at the standard rate.
The condition also goes by the names stress-induced cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, and broken heart syndrome. The syndrome came into the light in Japan in 1990. The meaning of Takotsubo in Japanese is octopus pot. The left ventricle changes into the shape of the pot – a narrow neck with round bottom. It is possible for any individual to develop such a condition regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity. However, it typically affects females than their counterparts.
The Symptoms of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
The main symptoms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy include breathlessness, chest pain, and collapsing that is similar to heart attack. In a few circumstances, people suffer from vomiting, nausea, and increased the palpitations. If an individual experiences or notices such symptoms, it is preferable to seek immediate medical attention to prevent a heart attack.
Diagnosing Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
It is probable to diagnose the existence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with the help of blood test and ECG. Also, the doctor seeks information related to family medical history, and whether the individual had a previous symptom related to heart disease. The results obtained from the ECG will display the conventional signs of a heart attack. Therefore, the doctor prescribes additional tests to rule this out and arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
After receiving the results, the doctor performs an angiogram to look inside the coronary arteries for blockages. If there is the presence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the angiogram will not display any significant obstructions concerning the symptoms. However, it will show the change of shape of the left ventricle. It will thus confirm the presence of the illness.
One may need echocardiogram and MRI scan to confirm whether there is any presence of enlargement in the heart due to the abnormal shape of the left ventricle. The result will also provide information related to the current status.
What is the Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Recovery Time?
In patients suffering from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, the recovery time consists of two characteristics. The first phase is a stage where an individual experiences rapid systolic recovery with reduced diastolic recovery. The second characteristic is a stage where the person experiences postponed diastolic recovery with a minor residual systolic recovery.
Currently, there is no cure available to treat Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. However, in its early stage, an individual may receive medicines to treat heart attack, which includes the use of aspirin. The doctor will keep an eye during recovery and follow up for a minimum of 48 hours. At this point, the doctor may alter the medicine that helps in recovering the heart muscle.
Depending on the age, gender, and overall health, the recovery can last for a few days, weeks, or months. Apart from this, the doctor asks the individual for a regular echocardiogram until complete recovery. With proper care and change in lifestyle, an individual can reduce the symptoms of the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Such a move also helps in curing any underlying conditions that pose a threat to the development of the disease.
Additional research is necessary to confirm whether Takotsubo cardiomyopathy passes down through the family.
Risk of Re-Occurring
At least 15% of people diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy will have another episode. The second episode and the stress the person experiences are different from that of the previous one.
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