Takotsubo Syndrome

Experts at NYU Langone Heart specialize in diagnosing and treating takotsubo syndrome, also known as broken heart syndrome, apical ballooning cardiomyopathy, or stress cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo syndrome feels like a heart attack but is not caused by a major blockage in the heart arteries, which is what happens in a typical heart attack. Takotsubo syndrome is typically triggered by extreme stress such as critical illness, intense exercise, the death of a loved one, or even positive but extreme events. The stress leads to a sudden weakening or transformation (“ballooning”) in the heart’s left ventricle.

Our cardiologists are experts at distinguishing the subtle differences between takotsubo syndrome and a typical heart attack. Takotsubo syndrome is estimated to be the cause of 1 to 5 percent of events that are classified as heart attacks. Our ability to accurately diagnose the condition allows us to develop patient-centered, personalized treatment plans that reduce the risk of future heart events.