Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy is characterised by left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning and normal coronary arteries. It occurs after a high catecholamine stress, mostly in elderly females after loss of spouse. LV shape is similar to the octopus pot, a tradiditional Japanese octopus trap. It is also known by various names as Broken heart syndrome, Stress cardiomyopathy and Apical ballooning syndrome. ECG changes and clinical presentation may mimic acute myocardial infarction. Severe left ventricular dysfunction may occur, but most of them eventually make a good recovery.