[The broken heart syndrome]

Abstract

Tako-tsubo syndrome is characterized by acute myocardial depression secondary to psychological stress. The syndrome is ten times more common in females compared to males and is manifested by chest pain and dyspnea. ECG changes are similar to those seen in acute myocardial infarct. However, in this syndrome, cardiac enzyme levels are normal and coronary blood flow is not compromised. The syndrome is caused by excess of catecholamines. The prognosis is relatively favorable with full recovery in most patients. The recurrence rate is between 3 to 8% and there is no advantage in favor of specific treatment. This report reviews the recent literature and presents a patient who suffered from the syndrome.