engleski

Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy - a Systematic Review

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also referred to as stress - induced cardiomyopathy, is an acute condition associated with transient left ventricular dysfunction. Since it can be induced by increased emotional stress (such as losing a loved one or constant anxiety) it is also called the broken heart syndrome. This type of cardiomyopathy occurs in all age groups and both sexes, but it is most common in postmenopausal women. There are several clinical manifestations such as chest pain, sometimes with heart failure, and often with ST - segment changes that may present as acute coronary syndrome. It is characterized by absence of coronary artery obstruction, with transient regional wall motion abnormalities and minimal elevation of cardiac enzyme levels. Although wall motion abnormalities are reversible in almost all cases, and long - term prognosis is excellent, this condition is important because in the acute phase it may cause sudden cardiac death. Mechanisms and cause of this disease still remain unclear. Some possible causes of the disorder include: 1) coronary artery vasospasm, 2) microcirculatory dysfunction, 3) transient obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract, and 4) excessive release of catecholamine, which seems to have the most important role. The aim of this review is to summarize the most important pathophysiological mechanisms that may be responsible for the development of this type of cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, stress - induced, left ventricular dysfunction, catecholamines

nije evidentirano