What area of the brain causes stress cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy?

From the Research

Brain Area and Stress Cardiomyopathy

The exact area of the brain that causes stress cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy, is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following points can be inferred:

• The autonomic nervous system has a defined role in the process of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy 1.
• The pathophysiology of stress-induced cardiomyopathy remains largely unknown, but catecholamines are believed to play a pivotal role 2.
• The brain and the heart have an intimate relationship, and the interface of neurology and psychiatry may play a role in the development of stress-induced cardiomyopathy 2.
• Intracranial hemorrhage is a known cause of stress-induced cardiomyopathy, suggesting a similar pathophysiologic mechanism between neurogenic cardiac damage and other causes of stress-induced cardiomyopathy 3.

Key Findings

Some key findings related to stress cardiomyopathy include:

• The condition is characterized by severe but potentially reversible regional left ventricular wall motion abnormalities 2.
• The typical pattern is that of an akinetic apex with preserved contractions in the base, but other variants are also common 2.
• The pathophysiology of the recovery from this acute heart failure syndrome is not fully understood 4.
• Current knowledge on susceptibility and predisposition already define distinctive characteristics of patients with Takotsubo compared with myocardial infarction 4.

Triggering Events

The diverse array of triggering events that have been linked to stress-induced cardiomyopathy can be categorized as either emotional or somatic stressors, including:

• Intense emotional or physical stress 4.
• Iatrogenic causes, such as the exogenous administration of catecholamines 5.
• Intracranial hemorrhage, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) 3.