Prognostic factors of Takotsubo syndrome: A review

Abstract

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as the “broken heart syndrome” or “stress cardiomyopathy,” is characterized by transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, usually in the absence of significant obstructive coronary artery disease. The pathophysiology of TTS remains incompletely understood, though commonly proposed mechanisms include catecholamine surge, estrogen deficiency, and coronary circulation dysfunction. TTS was initially regarded as benign and reversible; however, studies indicate that it may have severe short- and long-term complications. There are several prognostic factors associated with TTS that may influence patient outcomes. In this review, we aim to explore these prognostic factors in relation to various clinical variables, including age, gender, trigger type, atrial arrhythmias, rate-corrected QT interval, baseline left ventricular systolic function, and comorbidities. While many factors are thought to influence TTS, current research findings remain inconsistent. To improve prognosis, there is an urgent need to develop better risk-assessment tools. This can be achieved through large-scale, multicenter studies and analysis of existing research. By understanding these prognostic factors, better prevention and intervention strategies can be developed for TTS, reinforcing its recognition as a serious cardiovascular condition.

Keywords

Takotsubo syndrome / Stress cardiomyopathy / Broken heart syndrome / Prognosis / Pathophysiology

Acknowledgments

None.

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

Author contributions

Conceptualization: Vicky Kumar, Haris Muhammad

Writing-original draft: Vicky Kumar, Haris Muhammad, Gaith Al-Zoubi, Own Khraisat, Ehab Alkawaldeh, Amer Hammad, Joan Fallouh, Rola Ali

Writing-review & editing: Vicky Kumar, Ilsa Fatima, Nauman Khalid

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Availability of data

Not applicable.

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