Stress cardiomyopathy: Same pathology caused by variety of triggers.

Abstract

Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM), also known as Takatsubo cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome has been well documented in literature since its first description. With more awareness of the condition and increasing evidence base, the reported incidence of SCM has steadily increased over years and currently estimated at 1-2 % of the patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.

There are different criteria proposed for diagnosis of stress cardiomyopathy and this address more or less the same clinical questions while diagnosing this not so uncommon condition.

Despite extensive research , there has been a lack of understanding on the exact mechanism and causative factors leading to SCM. We report a variety of cases where  a different trigger appears to have been responsible for causation of SCM. It would seem that irrespective of the original trigger, the final clinical picture and course remains identical. These further strengths the idea that the condition is mediated by a common neurocardiovacular pathway in susceptible individuals. Further exploration of these mechanisms would be crucial to improve our strategies to try to prevent and effectively manage this potentially disabling condition.