Takotsubo cardiomyopathy : considerations for nursing practice

Rebecca Inggs, Martin Christensen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is the result of morphological and compensatory changes that occur in the left ventricle. Typically presenting in post-menopausal women, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy where there is a sudden weakening of the myocardium often caused by extreme emotional, physical and environmental stress as a result of a catecholamine surge. Diagnosis is made based on electrocardiographic and enzymatic changes, similar to those of an acute myocardial infarction - T wave inversion in all precordial and chest leads, ST-elevation in V1 and V3 with Q waves in V2 and V4, a prolonged QT-interval and a moderate elevation in Troponin T. While medical treatment is aimed at drug therapy with the use of Beta-Blockers, ACE Inhibitor drugs and Diuretics, nursing care is focused on supporting the patient through the acute stages of cardiac failure both physically and emotionally and also through ongoing education around the identification of stress triggers to reduce its incidence.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)17-22
Number of pages6
JournalSingapore Nursing Journal
Volume42
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • takotsubo cardiomyopathy
  • myocardium
  • heart
  • nursing

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