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Review
. 2025 Sep 1;86(3):234-238.
doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000001734.

Treating the Broken Heart: Role of Stellate Ganglion Blockade in Takotsubo Syndrome

Chiara Giuliana  1   2 , Simone Filomia  1   2 , Marta Ricci  1 , Gaetano Pinnacchio  1 , Alessia D'Aiello  1 , Gianluigi Saponara  1 , Daniela Pedicino  1 , Gemma Pelargonio  1 , Marco Giuseppe Del Buono  1 , Tommaso Sanna  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Treating the Broken Heart: Role of Stellate Ganglion Blockade in Takotsubo Syndrome

Chiara Giuliana et al. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. .

Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction, often mimicking acute myocardial infarction but without obstructive coronary artery disease. Although typically reversible, TTS can be complicated by serious adverse events, including life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The pathophysiology is complex but strongly linked to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity and a surge in catecholamines, often termed "neurogenic stunned myocardium." This review discusses the role of arrhythmias in TTS, the influence of the autonomic nervous system, and explores the rationale, mechanisms, and potential applications of stellate ganglion blockade, particularly left stellate ganglion blockade, in the management of TTS-related arrhythmias, illustrated by a clinical case.

Keywords: QTc prolongation; Takotsubo syndrome; autonomic nervous system; catecholamines; stellate ganglion blockade; sympathetic hyperactivity; ventricular arrhythmias.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

References

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