Genetics of Takotsubo Syndrome

Evaluation of Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome

Background

After an initial Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) event, there is growing recognition of adverse long-term outcomes, including recurrent TTS events. Recurrent events have been incompletely evaluated.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to characterize recurrent TTS events and evaluate variables associated with recurrence.

Methods

We studied 88 consecutive participants in the Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute Takotsubo Registry, an observational registry collecting retrospective and prospective data in TTS survivors. Detailed medical records are adjudicated. Standardized psychosocial questionnaires are administered remotely.

Results

Of 88 participants with adjudicated TTS, 15 (17%) experienced at least 1 recurrent TTS event (median 3.30 years to first recurrent event, range 0.13-18.56 years). In 9 of these 15 participants, there were different patterns of wall motion abnormalities observed between events. The recurrence-free survival significantly differed based on the pattern of wall motion abnormalities at the index TTS event. Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and invasive data obtained at the index TTS event were similar between participants who went on to have at least 1 recurrent event and those who did not.

Conclusions

Recurrent TTS episodes occurred in a significant proportion of cases, a median of 3.30 years after the index event. The recurrent episodes often had distinct triggers and different wall motion abnormalities compared to the index event. The wall motion pattern at the index event impacted the recurrence-free survival, though confirmatory studies are needed. TTS participants had a high rate of adverse psychosocial stress characteristics based on detailed questionnaires. (The Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute Takotsubo Registry & Proteomic Study; NCT03910569).

Takotsubo Syndrome and Gender Differences: Exploring Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Clinical Differences for a Personalized Approach in Patient Management

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as the broken-heart syndrome, is a reversible condition typically observed in female patients presenting for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Despite its increasing incidence, TTS often remains undiagnosed due to its overlap with ACS. The pathophysiology of TTS is complex and involves factors such as coronary vasospasm, microcirculatory dysfunction, increased catecholamine levels, and overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Diagnosing TTS requires a comprehensive approach, starting with clinical suspicion and progressing to both non-invasive and invasive multimodal tests guided by a specific diagnostic algorithm. Management of TTS should be personalized, considering potential complications, the presence or absence of coronary artery disease (CAD), diagnostic test results, and the patient's clinical course. The current data primarily derive from case series, retrospective analyses, prospective registries, and expert opinions. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of gender differences in the pathophysiology, presentation, and outcomes of TTS. This review provides an updated overview of gender disparities, highlighting the importance of tailored diagnostic and management strategies.

Role of Positive Emotions in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, also known as "broken heart syndrome," is a transient cardiac condition characterized by sudden left ventricular dysfunction, often triggered by emotional stress or significant life events. While research has predominantly focused on the impact of negative emotions and emotional stressors, there is a growing interest in understanding the role of positive emotions in this unique cardiac syndrome. This narrative review explores the emerging research on positive emotions and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. It provides an overview of studies investigating the relationship between positive emotions and the condition, highlighting key findings and observations. Positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, gratitude, and optimism, have been associated with improved emotional well-being, better-coping mechanisms, and potential cardiovascular protection. Some studies suggest that individuals experiencing higher levels of positive emotions may have a reduced risk of developing Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. However, the research in this area is still limited, with small sample sizes and challenges in quantifying positive emotions. Additionally, the interplay between positive and negative emotions requires further exploration to fully understand their impact on cardiovascular health. Despite these limitations, harnessing positive emotions in cardiac care holds promise for enhancing patient outcomes and emotional well-being. Integrating positive psychology into clinical practice and cardiac rehabilitation may lead to more holistic and patient-centered approaches to cardiovascular care. Further longitudinal studies, interventional trials, and mechanistic investigations are needed to strengthen the evidence base and identify potential therapeutic perspectives. As research progresses, addressing these gaps will provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between emotions and cardiovascular health, benefiting patients affected by Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and other cardiovascular conditions.

Broken Heart Syndrome: Evolving Molecular Mechanisms and Principles of Management

Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Syndrome (TS), is sudden and transient dysfunction of the left and/or right ventricle which often mimics Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Japan was the first country to describe this syndrome in the 1990s, and since then it has received a lot of attention from researchers all around the world. Although TS was once thought to be a harmless condition, recent evidence suggests that it may be linked to serious complications and mortality on par with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The understanding of TS has evolved over the past few years. However, its exact etiology is still poorly understood. It can be classified into two main types: Primary and Secondary TS. Primary TS occurs when the symptoms of myocardial damage, which is typically preceded by emotional stress, are the reason for hospitalization. Secondary TS is seen in patients hospitalized for some other medical, surgical, obstetric, anesthetic, or psychiatric conditions, and the dysfunction develops as a secondary complication due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of catecholamines. The etiopathogenesis is now proposed to include adrenergic hormones/stress, decreased estrogen levels, altered microcirculation, endothelial dysfunction, altered inflammatory response via cardiac macrophages, and disturbances in the brain-heart axis. The role of genetics in disease progression is becoming the focus of several upcoming studies. This review focuses on potential pathophysiological mechanisms for reversible myocardial dysfunction observed in TS, and comprehensively describes its epidemiology, clinical presentation, novel diagnostic biomarkers, and evolving principles of management. We advocate for more research into molecular mechanisms and promote the application of current evidence for precise individualized treatment.

Unraveling Pathophysiology of Takotsubo Syndrome: The Emerging Role of the Oxidative Stress's Systemic Status

Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is usually triggered by emotional or physical stressors, thus suggesting that an increased sympathetic activity, leading to myocardial perfusion abnormalities and ventricular dysfunction, plays a major pathogenetic role. However, it remains to be elucidated why severe emotional and physical stress might trigger TTS in certain individuals but not others. Clinical research has been focused mainly on mechanisms underlying the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the occurrence of myocardial ischemia in TTS. However, scientific evidence shows that additional factors might play a pathophysiologic role in the condition's occurrence. In this regard, a significant contribution arrived from metabolomics studies that followed the systemic response to TTS. Specifically, preliminary data clearly show that there is an interplay between inflammation, genetics, and oxidative status which might explain susceptibility to the condition. This review aims to sum up the established pathogenetic factors underlying TTS and to appraise emerging mechanisms, with particular emphasis on oxidative status, which might better explain susceptibility to the condition.

The Role of Stress in Stable Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome-Does the Trigger Matter?

BACKGROUND

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a unique type of reversible cardiomyopathy that predominantly affects elderly women. The role of physical and emotional stress in the pathophysiology of TTS is well established. However, the association between preceding emotional triggers and clinical outcomes in stable patients has not yet been fully investigated. We aimed to investigate the association between emotional triggers before symptom onset and clinical outcomes in stable patients with TTS.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study based on the data of patients with ICD-9 discharge diagnosis of TTS between 2017 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without obvious emotional trigger before symptom onset. Demographic, laboratory, echocardiographic, and clinical outcomes were obtained and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

We included 86 patients (93% were women, mean age 68.8 ± 12.3 years). Of them, 64 (74.4%) reported an emotional trigger before symptom onset. Patients with a previous emotional trigger had a longer hospital stay (4.3 + 2.0 days vs. 3.0 + 1.4, p = 0.002) with no difference in in-hospital complications (32.8% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.069), with no difference in 30-day mortality, readmissions, or recurrence rate between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TTS related to an emotional trigger may represent a different population from patients without a preceding trigger by having more symptomatic disease and longer hospital stay, yet with no difference in the 30-day outcomes.

Molecular Mechanisms of Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a severe but reversible acute heart failure syndrome that occurs following high catecholaminergic stress. TTS patients are similar to those with acute coronary syndrome, with chest pain, dyspnoea and ST segment changes on electrocardiogram, but are characterised by apical akinesia of the left ventricle, with basal hyperkinesia in the absence of culprit coronary artery stenosis. The pathophysiology of TTS is not completely understood and there is a paucity of evidence to guide treatment. The mechanisms of TTS are thought to involve catecholaminergic myocardial stunning, microvascular dysfunction, increased inflammation and changes in cardiomyocyte metabolism. Here, we summarise the available literature to focus on the molecular basis for the pathophysiology of TTS to advance the understanding of the condition.

Genetic and Epigenetic Factors of Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), recognized as stress's cardiomyopathy, or as left ventricular apical balloon syndrome in recent years, is a rare pathology, described for the first time by Japanese researchers in 1990. TTS is characterized by an interindividual heterogeneity in onset and progression, and by strong predominance in postmenopausal women. The clear causes of these TTS features are uncertain, given the limited understanding of this intriguing syndrome until now. However, the increasing frequency of TTS cases in recent years, and particularly correlated to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, leads us to the imperative necessity both of a complete knowledge of TTS pathophysiology for identifying biomarkers facilitating its management, and of targets for specific and effective treatments. The suspect of a genetic basis in TTS pathogenesis has been evidenced. Accordingly, familial forms of TTS have been described. However, a systematic and comprehensive characterization of the genetic or epigenetic factors significantly associated with TTS is lacking. Thus, we here conducted a systematic review of the literature before June 2021, to contribute to the identification of potential genetic and epigenetic factors associated with TTS. Interesting data were evidenced, but few in number and with diverse limitations. Consequently, we concluded that further work is needed to address the gaps discussed, and clear evidence may arrive by using multi-omics investigations.

Perioperative takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Implications for anesthesiologist

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is characterized by transient ventricular dysfunction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease that may be triggered by an acute medical illness or intense physical or emotional stress. TCM is often confused with acute myocardial infarction given the similar electrocardiographic changes, cardiac enzymes, hemodynamic perturbations, and myocardial wall motion abnormalities. In the perioperative setting, the clinical picture may be more confusing because of the effect of anesthesia as well as hemodynamic changes related to the surgery itself. However, awareness of various other diagnostic modalities may enable clinicians to distinguish between the two, more systematically and with greater certainty. Despite the large body of literature, there still seems to be an overall paucity in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis, clinical characteristics, natural history, and management of this syndrome, especially in the perioperative setting. This narrative review seeks to present and synthesize the most recent literature on TCM and to identify gaps in current knowledge which can become the basis for future research.

Takotsubo syndrome: between evidence, myths, and misunderstandings

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is an acute cardiac condition characterized by transient wall motion abnormalities mostly of the left ventricle. First described in 1990, TS has gained substantial attention during the past 15 years. However, the disease is still underdiagnosed. Prospective studies on TS are largely lacking, and the condition remains incompletely understood. In addition, significant misconceptions and misunderstandings are evident, contributing to potentially severe underestimation. Here, we review important aspects of TS with a focus on pitfalls, misinterpretations, and knowledge gaps considered important during diagnosis and management of the disease.

Anticoagulation and stress-induced cardiomyopathy

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SCM), is a reversible cardiomyopathy characterized by transient systolic dysfunction following an acute physiologic stress. Thromboembolism occurs at a high frequency in patients with intracardiac thrombus secondary to SCM, with one systematic review reporting a rate of 33.3%. The risk of thrombus formation following SCM has been associated with left-ventricular (LV) contraction abnormalities, catecholaminergic surge, and other associated comorbidities. However, established guidelines for screening and management of intracardiac thrombus in the setting of SCM do not exist at present due to a lack of sufficient clinical trial data. The purpose of this article is to discuss the pathophysiological theory and previously documented evidence from cases of LV thrombus secondary to SCM, and to present our recommendations for management of intracardiac thrombus secondary to SCM.

Recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a postmenopausal Indian lady: Is there a pattern?

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a syndrome of acute left ventricular dysfunction with a clinical presentation often mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Without a high index of suspicion, this clinical entity often goes unrecognized. Although initially categorized as a benign completely reversible condition, it is no longer considered to be so. Recurrence of this condition, though rare, has been reported in a non-Indian population. We present a case of recurrent TTC in a postmenopausal Indian lady who had a similar clinical presentation both at the index event and at recurrence.

Takotsubo Syndrome: Clinical Features, Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Relationship with Cerebrovascular Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review paper aims to provide a complete and updated overview on the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), including prognosis, therapy, and the association with cerebrovascular conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

TTS is an increasingly recognized non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by sudden, temporary weakening of the myocardium, of which the pathogenesis is unknown. Although pathogenesis of TTS remains unclear, a complex interaction between catecholamine-mediated stimulation, myocardial stunning, and subsequent stress-related myocardial dysfunction seems to be the main pathophysiological mechanism. Stroke is linked to TTS by a dual relationship since it may induce TTS by catecholamine release even if TTS itself also may be complicated by left ventricular thrombi leading to stroke. Given its possible complications, including the association with neurological diseases, both cardiologist and neurologists should be aware about TTS in order to diagnose it promptly and to initiate appropriate therapeutic measures.

Pathophysiology of Takotsubo Syndrome

Originally described by Japanese authors in the 1990s, Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) generally presents as an acute myocardial infarction characterized by severe left ventricular dysfunction. TTS, however, differs from an acute coronary syndrome because patients have generally a normal coronary angiogram and left ventricular dysfunction, which extends beyond the territory subtended by a single coronary artery and recovers within days or weeks. The prognosis was initially thought to be benign, but subsequent studies have demonstrated that both short-term mortality and long-term mortality are higher than previously recognized. Indeed, mortality reported during the acute phase in hospitalized patients is ≈4% to 5%, a figure comparable to that of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in the era of primary percutaneous coronary interventions. Despite extensive research, the cause and pathogenesis of TTS remain incompletely understood. The aim of the present review is to discuss the pathophysiology of TTS with particular emphasis on the role of the central and autonomic nervous systems. Different emotional or psychological stressors have been identified to precede the onset of TTS. The anatomic structures that mediate the stress response are found in both the central and autonomic nervous systems. Acute stressors induce brain activation, increasing bioavailability of cortisol and catecholamine. Both circulating epinephrine and norepinephrine released from adrenal medullary chromaffin cells and norepinephrine released locally from sympathetic nerve terminals are significantly increased in the acute phase of TTS. This catecholamine surge leads, through multiple mechanisms, that is, direct catecholamine toxicity, adrenoceptor-mediated damage, epicardial and microvascular coronary vasoconstriction and/or spasm, and increased cardiac workload, to myocardial damage, which has a functional counterpart of transient apical left ventricular ballooning. The relative preponderance among postmenopausal women suggests that estrogen deprivation may play a facilitating role, probably mediated by endothelial dysfunction. Despite the substantial improvement in our understanding of the pathophysiology of TTS, a number of knowledge gaps remain.