Main features of Takotsubo syndrome: a literature review

Abstract

Objective: To review and analyze the characteristics of Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS). Bibliographic review: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is also known as broken heart syndrome, being an episode with a clinical similarity to an acute coronary syndrome, but without signs of obstruction to the imaging tests, which is usually preceded by an emotional or physical stressful event. The most affected group are menopausal women, and special attention should be paid to complaints in this population. The diagnosis is made from the exclusion of infarction and the treatment is symptomatic according to the complications. The prognosis is usually benign with resolution of the condition, when there are sequelae, the main one is heart failure. Final considerations: TTS is an infrequent pathology and is often underdiagnosed because it simulates the signs and symptoms of an ACS and because physicians are unaware of its existence. In this context, it consists of a diagnosis of exclusion that must be taken into account, because despite its benign course, it is not free from complications. In this sense, it is essential to train health professionals for the syndrome and especially for its risk factors, such as being a menopausal woman, for example, in order to provide better patient care.