TAKOTSUBO

[Siamesechris]

Hi I had a Takotsubo ( broken heart syndrome) attack in February. Has anyone else had one>? I am always tired and weak and have memory problems I am waiting for results from MRI as to how bad it was

[Hidden]

Dear Siamesechris

Hello to you and a warm welcome to the forum, I hope that you find all the help and answers that you need here.

I am sorry that I cannot help you as I have never heard of your illness and when I finish this hello to you I shall look it up.

I wish you well in your search for your answers.

Please take care

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Siamesechris,

Welcome to the forum.

There are a few members of the forum who have experienced a Takotsubo syndrome/ cardiomyopathy episode.

Hopefully they will be along to share their experiences with you.

Nearly 10 years ago I was admitted to hospital with a suspected heart attack.

Takostubo syndrome was a possible diagnosis for me until my diagnosis of vasospastic angina was confirmed.

There is a good Facebook group which is well worth joining.

facebook.com/groups/Takotsu...

Another source of help is Cardiomyopathy UK

cardiomyopathy.org/about-ca...

Ramilia

[Ramilia]

Hi Siamesechris,

I'm sorry you're feeling the way you are. Often with Takotsubo you get no information in hospital, simply because there is no agreed treatment protocol. That means you will be treated as though you had a myocardial infarction caused by a blockage in your coronary arteries, (heart attack), even though that's not at all what happened. Then, often armed with the standard load of heart attack medication, they expect you to be leaping around at cardiac rehab within a couple of weeks!

The problem for Takotsubo patients is that we should be told to rest, and often we are not. Our hearts have just had a huge shock and need to heal. Some patients are very lucky, and their recovery is fairly swift, but it's not likely to be within a few weeks. So you are at a very early stage, and I'm afraid rest is what you should be doing for now!

Fatigue, weakness, and fuzzy-headedness of one sort or another are common in the early days. So is chest discomfort and tightness. However, the standard rule remains that if you have chest pain for more than 10 minutes, do please seek help.

It's good you have had an MRI. Many patients, including me, weren't offered one. Your cardiologist should get good information from that to help you.

Milkfairy has already given you two of the links I also would recommend. There is also an excellent website here: takotsubo.net/. The British Heart Foundation also has some helpful information.

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions for you. I know this early stage will be an exhausting and confusing time for you.

By the way, we tend to avoid using the phrase 'broken heart syndrome' because it is recognised now that Takotsubo syndrome can be caused by an emotional trigger, a physical trigger, or no trigger at all.

[Ramilia]

Siamesechris,

I'm embarrassed to admit that I forgot about this British Heart Foundation video: youtube.com/watch?v=yDHetHO...(Not working as expected?)

I hope it helps you as much as it did me.

[Nevea]

Hello Siamesechris….I had Tackasubo attack 2 Yrs ago May. I had no pain of any kind…just fell, vomited & neighbor s came got me up, but my daughter ( a doctor). Insisted I go to ER for tests & it was found. I’m on lots of meds, but like you, so tired& weak all the time. There isn’t a lot know about it. If you go on Facebook, they have a group with same problem that discuss their problems. Get lots of rest. Best wishes.

[Siamesechris]

thankyou, i have found the site and I am improving at last