What is takutsubo?

Takotsubo, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is a type of heart condition that causes a sudden and temporary weakening of the heart muscles.

It is often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or a medical procedure. The condition was first described in Japan in the 1990s and derives its name from the Japanese word for "octopus trap," which refers to the shape that the left ventricle of the heart takes on during a Takotsubo event.

Symptoms of takotsubo include chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations, which can be similar to symptoms of a heart attack. However, unlike a heart attack, Takotsubo does not cause blockages in the coronary arteries.

Treatments for Takotsubo are aimed at managing symptoms and stabilizing the patient's heart function. Most people with the condition will recover fully within a few weeks or months, but in rare cases, it can be life-threatening.