A broken heart can also be deadly

Life-threatening risk factors for broken hearts

That someone is "broken heart" is not just a saying, but also a medical reality. Takotsubo syndrome, also called "broken heart syndrome", can even be life-threatening. Researchers have now identified patients at increased risk in the short or long term.

Most patients recover without consequences

In the early 1990s, Japanese doctors Keigo Dote and Hikaru Sato first described Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS). This disease occurs after intense mental stress, such as sadness or heartache. Most women are affected after menopause. The majority of sufferers recover without consequences of the disease. But ten percent develop a dangerous complication. A study has now determined which patients are at increased risk in the short or long term.

Causes still unclear

The name of Takotsubo syndrome was a traditional Japanese octopus trap in the form of a bumpy necked Tonkrugs.

The particular shape of the left ventricle at the end of the systole, which reminded him of it, was considered by the medical profession as the result of a disruption of the blood circulation of the heart muscle.

The causes of the disease are still unclear and the treatment should therefore be based on the symptoms.

The loss of a loved one makes you sick

Since the illness often occurs as a result of severe emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one, emotional stress or bereavement, what is commonly referred to as "syndrome" broken heart "(" broken heart syndrome ").

In addition, bullying at the workplace or extreme physical stress such as surgery, a fall or stroke can trigger broken heart syndrome.

In addition, it could be shown that extremely positive events, such as a wedding or a lottery win, make winning Takotsubo syndrome.

Long-term risks

In the meantime, medicine knows that the disease can lead to long-term heart damage and increased risk of stroke, among others.

The disease can be fatal
Since the disease occurs suddenly and often with severe disruption of the pumping function of the heart, a heart attack is often suspected.

After the acute phase, most patients recover in a few weeks or months.

However, about ten percent of patients experience cardiogenic shock badociated with acute phase status, a potentially fatal complication in which the heart suddenly pumps an insufficient amount of blood into the body.

Up to five percent of patients with cardiogenic shock die, reports the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) in a statement.

USZ researchers have now discovered which Takotsubo patients are at increased risk for cardiogenic shock and have long-term consequences for those affected.

Which patients develop cardiogenic shock

For their study, the scientists were able to rely on the data collected in the InterTAK register.

This first global Takotsubo registry was established in 2011 at the USZ University Center of Cardiology to advance research on Takotsubo Syndrome.

More than 40 cardiovascular centers in 20 countries are now involved in the registry; it is headed by Professor dr. med. Dr. Dürer. nat. Christian Templin, Interventional Cardiologist and Head of Acute Cardiology at the USZ.

"Through this study, we now know which Takotsubo patients are developing cardiogenic shock during the acute phase of the disease and therefore need to be intensively monitored," Templin said.

"These patients also present an increased risk in the long term and therefore need to be monitored constantly," said the expert.

Little was known about these risk factors and no patients with no abnormalities after Takotsubo's disease were observed.

"The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients have again made a significant step forward with this study." (Ad)