Stress
-induced cardiomyopathy Stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome, is a condition in which a person’s heart muscle becomes weakened due to an emotional or physical stress. It is usually accompanied by chest pain and breathlessness, and can lead to serious long-term heart-related conditions such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmias and heart attacks. It is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women, though it can occur in both men and women of any age. Treatment for the condition focuses on managing the underlying stress, providing supportive care for the individual and relieving symptoms. Unfortunately, the cause of stress-induced cardiomyopathy is not well understood, and therefore prevention is difficult. However, it is important to remember that managing stress and looking after one’s health can help reduce the risk of developing this condition.
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