Broken heart syndrome or takotsubo cardiomyopathy: main clinical and epidemiological characteristics

Abstract

Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome, is an acute condition mimicking an acute coronary syndrome. It is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction (with a characteristic shape) without significant coronary obstruction, frequently triggered by intense stress. It primarily affects postmenopausal women, presents with in-hospital mortality comparable to myocardial infarction, and carries risks of serious complications or recurrence, highlighting its severity and the need for further research.

Objective: To describe the main clinical-epidemiological characteristics of this disease.

Methods: Scientific information was obtained through SciELO, Google Scholar, PubMed, and BASE. The descriptors "broken heart syndrome" and "takotsubo cardiomyopathy" were used. Twenty-two (22) articles in Spanish, English, and Portuguese were selected.

Conclusions: Takotsubo syndrome, which mimics a heart attack and carries a risk of serious complications, requires high clinical suspicion. Understanding its distinctive features (triggered by stress, predilection for postmenopausal women, transient but risky course) is crucial for appropriate management and avoiding errors. Differential diagnosis with acute coronary syndrome and early identification of triggers are essential in the context of increasing global stress.