Tako-Tsubo

Tako-Tsubo Syndrome

About 70-80% of cases of Tako-tsubo Syndrome (TTS) occur in post-menopausal women under some form of extreme, exceptional and prolonged mental stress,... with no good way out, no relief and often feeling deep resentment (such as the loss of a dear one...)

(Note: a word of caution... , in a minority of patients, less than 20% the stress is physical such as massive trauma, surgery or severe pain, or other type of stress. In very rare cases, no "cause" can be found.

a diagnosis of tako-tsubo syndrome can only be made after excluding:

• coronary artery disease (especially proximal left main or left anterior coronary artery stenosis),
• acute coronary syndrome,
• acute myocardial infarction,
• myocarditis, pericarditis, aortic dissections and so forth...

And that leads to the good news, Folks! If this syndrome is recognized, over 95% of patients pull through that fairly easily (with most of the time complete recovery of the electrocardiographic changes and recovery of the cardiac shape and function. This may take a few weeks)

On Sunday I experienced this syndrome first hand. I can honestly say I did not feel stressed at the time. In fact I was quite happy having sold a few of my stamps I no longer used or wanted (there are still a few available in my blog shop). At first I thought I was having on of my stomach flare ups, but it got a bit worse so we were off to urgent care. They gave me something for the stomach pain and I actually felt better. The doctor seemed a bit concerned and ran some blood-work for my heart, but sent me home saying he would call if it was anything serious.

Well next morning I still had not heard anything so off to work I went. When I got home I was greeted by phone calls telling me to go to emergency. Thats when they told me that my heart enzymes were elevated. Well several tests, and a heart cath later they pronounce I had "tako-tsubo" or as they called it "broken heart syndrome".

Since this condition is totally recoverable they are treating me with drug therapy and monitoring my heart. I was relieved to know I do not have coronary artery disease or any blockages. It was fascinating to see the heart. During the cath you are totally awake and you get to see exactly what they are doing (it was completely pain-FREE, trust me I would tell you if it hurt). It actually made me feel good to know I would recover and that for the most part I was heart healthy.

So what triggered it? They feel stress was the trigger, I don't know because I truly did not feel I was stressed at the time, until my stomach acted up. The more I rad up on this condition they do mention something about possible pathogens that can trigger an episode. Who knows. I am just happy to be home and recovering.

These flowers arrived Thursday from Vicky and Mike, I feel very blessed to have such good friends.....

Here are the lovely roses that my good friend Terri and her husband Chip brought by when I came home from the hospital. I am very lucky to have such dear friends.

I am feeling much better, and recovering nicely. My puppies missed me. They even managed to share Bailey's bed.