Broken heart syndrome


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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's a chance that broken heart syndrome can happen again after a first episode. There's no proven therapy to prevent additional episodes; however, many doctors recommend long-term treatment with beta blockers or similar medications that block the potentially damaging effects of stress hormones on the heart. Managing stress in your life is also important.

Treatments and drugs

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References
  1. Nef HM, et al. Mechanisms of stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy. Nature Reviews. 2010;7:187.
  2. Wynne J, et al. Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2902533. Accessed Dec. 8, 2010.
  3. Brenner ZR, et al. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Heart and Lung. 2008;37:1.
  4. Derrick D. The "broken heart syndrome": Understanding Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Critical Care Nurse. 2009;29:49.
  5. Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 14, 2010.
  6. Martin EA, et al. Endothelial function and vascular response to mental stress are impaired in patients with apical ballooning syndrome. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2010;56:1840.
  7. Rosenow E (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 11, 2010.
DS01135 Feb. 10, 2011

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