Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):336-341

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after pacemaker implantation

Golas F¹, Hrčková E², Bollová D²

¹ Oddelenia Vnútorného lekárstva A, FNsP Žilina

² Oddelenia Vnútorného lekárstva B, FNsP Žilina, Slovenská republika

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also known as 'broken heart syndrome,ʼ is a transient cardiovascular condition characterized by acute and reversible dysfunction of the left ventricle. This syndrome can mimic acute coronary syndrome, with coronary angiography typically not showing significant stenosis of the coronary arteries. TTC is more common in postmenopausal women and is often associated with intense emotional or physical stress. Although the etiology of TTC is not fully understood, it is hypothesized that excessive catecholamine production may play a key role. Diagnosis is established based on clinical, echocardiograpic, electrocardiographic, and biochemical findings, and treatment is mostly symptomatic and supportive. The prognosis for TTC is generally favourable. Research suggests that the pathophysiological basis of Takotsubo syndrome may be linked to microvascular dysfunction and myocardial edema, which can lead to transient myocardial impairment. This review article addresses TTC that occurred in a 59-year-old patient with no prior cardiovascular morbidity shortly after the implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker.

Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; cardiac pacemaker; stress cardiomyopathy; cardiac arrhythmia; pacemaker implantation

Published: May 1, 2023  Show citation