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Review
. 2021 Jul 16;23(9):53.
doi: 10.1007/s11883-021-00946-z.

Takotsubo Syndrome: Uncovering Myths and Misconceptions

Victoria L Cammann #  1 , Michael Würdinger #  1 , Jelena R Ghadri  1 , Christian Templin  2
Affiliations
Review

Takotsubo Syndrome: Uncovering Myths and Misconceptions

Victoria L Cammann et al. Curr Atheroscler Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) was described in Japan 3 decades ago to affect predominately postmenopausal women after emotional stress. This history is the basis of commonly held beliefs which may contribute to the underdiagnosis and misperception of TTS.

Recent findings: TTS affects not only women, but can be present in both sexes, and can appear in children as well as in the elderly. TTS is characterized by unique clinical characteristics with morphological variants, and incurs a substantial risk for recurrent events and adverse outcomes. Physical triggers are more common than emotional triggers and are major disease determinants. TTS seems not to be completely transient as patients report ongoing chest pain, dyspnea, or fatigue even after months of the acute event. Knowledge of the clinical features and outcomes of TTS patients has evolved substantially over the past decades. The heterogeneous appearance of TTS needs to be recognized in all medical disciplines to maximize therapy and improve outcomes.

Keywords: Broken heart syndrome; International Takotsubo Registry; Outcome; Risk stratification; Takotsubo syndrome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Templin reports personal fees from Microport, Biotronic, Schnell Medical, and Amgen, outside the submitted work. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Evolution and paradigm shifts of takotsubo syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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