Causes of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that causes symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is also referred to as broken heart syndrome because of its tendency to occur after an emotional or stressful event. There are various causes for this condition.
When a person experiences takotsubo cardiomyopathy, his or her heart may enlarge, causing it to not pump as well. Patients may feel chest pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms. In general the symptoms go away after a week.
Although the exact cause of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is not known, there are various theories. Researchers do know that it is typically triggered by a very stressful or emotional situation. This may include the death of someone close or bad health news. Domestic abuse is seen in some cases. Other precipitators include a health procedure, a car wreck or another health concern.
The loss of a job or financial problems may trigger an attack. Some people are tense from problems in romantic relationships. Even positive but stressful situations such as a public performance, a surprise party or a job change can play a part. Essentially anything that causes a person to feel a great deal of stress can be a trigger.
Various strategies have emerged for the anatomical possibilities behind takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Cardiologist Ilan Wittstein, M.D., an associate at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart Institute studied the condition. The study, which is outlined in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that the nervous system of some individuals releases a great amount of catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine when faced by an excessive amount of stress. When these chemicals appear in high amounts, they can cause the heart to malfunction. As the muscle fails to work properly, symptoms appear.
How exactly the chemicals cause damage is also not currently known. Cardiologist Hunter Champion, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor at Hopkins and its Heart Institute, suggests that coronary arteries may spasm, causing the affect. Another possibility is that an excess of calcium can cause the heart to temporarily work improperly. The chemicals may also have more of a direct effect on the heart.
One risk factor for takotsubo cardiomyopathy is being an older woman. In further studies, the researchers at the Hopkins study want to see whether there is a genetic component to the condition.
Researchers continue to study Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Hopefully the studies will eventually pinpoint the exact cause of this condition and lead to preventative measures.