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Brain-Heart Connection in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Condition: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Eligibility

Key Inclusion Criteria (for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy patients)

  • Diagnosed with TTC
  • Fully understanding and willing to undergo study procedures

Key Exclusion Criteria (for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy patients)

  • Left ventricular dysfunction, acute coronary syndrome, cardiogenic shock or requiring inotropic or intra-aortic balloon support, New York Heart Association class III or IV decompensated heart failure
  • Planned percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft or established obstructive coronary artery disease with ischemia eligible for revascularization, acute myocardial infarction

Full Study Name

Brain-Heart Connection in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy – Pilot Project (IRB no. 41627)

Summary

This study is designed to explore the brain-heart connection in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute, reversible form of stress-induced cardiomyopathy that has an increased prevalence in post-menopausal women. The syndrome is most often precipitated by an acute emotional or physical stressor, but the mechanism remains poorly understood.

Subjects will participate in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cardiac scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, among other procedures, during rest, exercise, and mental stress. Researchers will compare women with TTC to control subjects (healthy participants who do not have TTC).

Principal Investigator

C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD

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