Psychosocial Support for Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome

Last updated: August 19, 2024
Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Cardiomyopathy

Congestive Heart Failure

Circulation Disorders

Treatment

Takotsubo Support Group

Clinical Study ID

NCT05977049
23-04025981
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The study hypothesis is that participants enrolled in a virtual Takotsubo support group will have significantly less anxiety at one year.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • All patients with documented diagnosis of Takotsubo Syndrome greater than 18 yearsold.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with a diagnosis of Takotsubo Syndrome already undergoing Psychotherapy orthose who choose not to participate.

  • Vulnerable populations such as prisoners, non-English speaking subjects, pregnantwomen, and subjects unable to provide written informed consent will not be includedin this research.

Study Design

Total Participants: 24
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Takotsubo Support Group
Phase:
Study Start date:
April 17, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2026

Study Description

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, sometimes termed Takotsubo syndrome and "broken heart syndrome," typically presents with symptoms remarkably similar to acute myocardial infarction (MI; heart attack): debilitating chest pain, shortness of breath, and a feeling of doom, among others. Takotsubo was first identified in 1990 in Japan. Most cases occur in older women. During the acute phase, the heart spontaneously undergoes "apical ballooning," changing shape to resemble a "takotsubo," a Japanese octopus trap. In approximately two-thirds of cases, Takotsubo is precipitated by an intense emotional or physical "trigger." Typically, the heart spontaneously reverts to its previous shape within about a month. Initially, it was thought that recurrence was rare. However, more recently, recurrences have been reported in 3-15% of cases. Many patients experience a variety of debilitating cardiac and psychological symptoms long after the initial presentation. There is no known way to prevent a recurrent event and patients are typically anxious about the possibility.

Since its inception as a diagnosis, one of the hallmarks of Takotsubo has been the absence of coronary artery plaque. In a surprising finding from 2019, a study of more than 1,000 Takotsubo patients undergoing coronary angiography reported that approximately 1/3 of patients had clinically significant plaque in their coronary arteries; 1/3 had evidence of sub-clinical atherosclerosis; and 1/3 had "clean coronaries," with no observable plaque. Hence, much needs to be learned about this syndrome that may affect as many as 5% of women who have been diagnosed with acute MI. Takotsubo is typically an emotionally challenging and life altering event. Strategies for primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease will be discussed in the virtual group sessions.

Currently, there is no specialized intervention for patients diagnosed with Takotsubo Syndrome at Weill Cornell Medical Center, either in hospital or after discharge.

Connect with a study center

  • Weill Cornell Medicine

    New York, New York 10021
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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