Trigger factors in takotsubo syndrome - A systematic review of case reports

Abstract

Introduction: Takotsubo syndrome is an acute heart failure syndrome often preceded by a trigger factor of physical or emotional origin, although the proportion is unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine how common different trigger factors are in takotsubo syndrome divided by sex and age in women.

Material and methods: The study consisted of a systematic review of all available case reports in PubMed and Web of Science up to March 2018. Trigger factors were categorized into physical and emotional trigger factors.

Results: Males had to a higher degree experienced a trigger factor (92.6%) compared to females (81.9%, p < .001). Physical trigger factors were most common (67.3%). Males had to a higher degree experienced a physical trigger factor (85.7%) compared to females (63.5%, p < .001). Females ≤50 years of age had to a higher degree experienced a trigger factor (90.8%) compared to females >50 years of age (79.2%, p < .001). Additionally, females ≤50 years of age had to a higher degree experienced a physical trigger factor (75.6%) compared to females >50 years of age (59.3%, p < .01).

Conclusion: A physical trigger factor is more common than an emotional trigger factor in takotsubo syndrome. Physical triggers includes drugs, surgery and central nervous system conditions. Furthermore, females ≤50 years of age and males more often have an evident trigger factor and it is more often physical, compared to the most common patient, a female >50 years of age.

Keywords: Age; Females; Males; Takotsubo syndrome; Trigger factors.