New blood test could improve diagnosis of 'broken heart syndrome'

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By Olivia Bowthorpe

A new blood test could help doctors distinguish Takotsubo syndrome, sometimes known as 'broken heart syndrome', from acute coronary syndrome before patients undergo invasive procedures.

Takotsubo syndrome is a sudden transient weakening of the left ventricle that can mimic a myocardial infarction, most commonly seen in post-menopausal women.

It can cause chest pain, ECG changes and cardiac biomarkers that closely resemble acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

However, it is not usually caused by a blocked coronary artery, but by temporary weakening of the heart muscle, often linked with intense emotional stress.

Dr Florian Wenzl, postdoctoral senior researcher at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, told Doctors.net.uk it could help some patients avoid coronary angiography.

"The BioTAK score may help identify patients with Takotsubo syndrome earlier and more reliably in the future.

"The tool does not replace cardiac catheterisation when the procedure is medically indicated. However, it could help guide diagnostic pathways more selectively and reduce avoidable invasive procedures in selected patients."