Takotsubo Syndrome: The Critical Role of Nurses in Assessment, Management, and Nursing Care of Patients with Broken Heart Syndrome
Keywords:
Takotsubo syndrome, Broken heart syndrome, Stress-induced cardiomyopathyAbstract
Takotsubo syndrome, also known as “broken heart syndrome,” is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction without coronary artery obstruction. It often occurs in elderly individuals following sudden physical or emotional stress, and its clinical presentation closely mimics acute myocardial infarction. This case involves an 87-year-old Thai woman with a history of cholecystectomy two months prior. She presented with nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Electrocardiography revealed ST elevation in leads V2-V6, and her troponin level was 2.241 ng/mL. However, coronary angiography showed no evidence of occlusion. Echocardiography revealed a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction of 30% without valvular abnormalities. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and treated for heart failure. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care during both the acute and recovery phases. In the acute phase, nurses are responsible for vital signs monitoring, early detection of complications, and coordination with the multidisciplinary team. During the recovery phase, nursing care focuses on monitoring for recurrence and promoting the patient’s overall quality of life.
Therefore, this article aims to present knowledge about Takotsubo syndrome and to provide nurses with knowledge and understanding about the care and nursing of Takotsubo patients, covering both acute and recovery phases, including monitoring for possible complications.
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