Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, anyone been through this heart condition

[Oryall]

In 2016 I had a takotsubo cardiomyopathy. While I was asleep so I ended up Aspirating. Which caused me to get phemona and congestive heart failure on top of the other heart failure.. I also had two strokes the same night and became Septic needless to say I shouldn’t be alive today I had one dr that helped me at a small hospital I was closest to me call my mom a month later to give her his Condolences.. funny cz my mom asked him if he wanted to talk to me .. I think he was shocked and said yes of course. When I got on the phone all he could say was I never thought I would hear your voice .. I cried and so did he I was life flighted from that hospital and my heart stopped twice on the way .. I woke up 3 days later and to this day I don’t think I’ve ever really delt with what had happened and but it in the back of my mind .. until about 2 months ago I’ve started having symptoms again and have been going through all these tests the last couple weeks and I’m scared that it will happen again .. this heart condition is considered stress induced or called heartbreaker and any kind of stress can make it happen again .. so I guess I’m just wondering if there’s anyone out there that’s been through this and had any answers or what’s to talk about it

[siouxbee19]

This is first I've heard of Takotsubo! I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, so probably am not much help, but I sincerely hope you are doing better and wish you good health!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Oryall

Welcome to the forum

I am sorry that you are feeling anxious about your heart condition. A feeling most of us live with from time to time.

Takostubo Cardiomyopathy is an poorly understood and recognised condition.

There is some information about the condition on the BHF and Cardiomyopathy UK websites.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

cardiomyopathy.org/takotsub...

There is a Facebook group

m.facebook.com/groups/Takot...

takotsubo.net/

Emotional stress is a common trigger for making angina and other heart conditions worse.

Perhaps talk to your GP about how best to manage your stress? They maybe able to refer you to some talking therapies if you would find that helpful.

There are some self help strategies that may help.

Tai Chi, yoga and Mindfulness meditation are just a few.

Online CBT courses.

Perhaps make a list of questions you would like to ask and take them to your appointment with your Cardiologist.

Prof Dana Dawson is a BHF funded researcher into Takostubo syndrome

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

There are others around with a lived experience of Takostubo syndrome and I am sure they will be along to share their experiences with you.

I hope you are able to find a way to feel less anxious soon and access the care you need.