Broken Heart Syndrome

Takotsubo syndrome is a condition which mimics acute myocardial infarction, and is diagnosed in 1.5% to 2.2% of patients referred to hospital with suspected acute coronary syndrome. It is also known as broken heart syndrome, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, stress cardiomyopathy and apical ballooning cardiomyopathy, among other names. The pathogenesis of this disorder is not well understood. Possible mechanisms include catecholamine excess, coronary artery spasm, microvascular dysfunction, among others. This is a multicenter, nation-wide, observational study of patients who were previously diagnosed with takotsubo syndrome. The investigators aim to use this registry to help plan and carry out further studies and to improve understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of this syndrome. In addition participants will be followed for events, and to monitor quality of life and stress.