Heart disease Japanese Takotsubo Syndrome reaches Kolkata

By: Maitreyee Bhattacharjee

KOLKATA: A 28 year old IT employee was recently rushed to a private hospital near city's EM bypass road. The young woman, who had initially complained of acute chest pain, showed symptoms of a heart attack.


However, doctors were unable to find any blockage in her arteries during the angiography test.

"After learning about her stress history, I was confirmed that it was Takotsubo Syndrome," Cardiologist Binayak Deb said.

Takotsubo Syndrome is a sudden and acute form of heart failure. Symptoms can be very similar to a heart attack- chest pain, breathlessness or collapse. The heart muscle becomes weak or ‘stunned’ and the left ventricle, one of the heart’s chambers, changes shape. This affects the heart’s ability to pump blood.

It was first discovered in Japan in the 90s and was said to be the main reason for early death of Japanese citizens.

According to specialists, Takotsubo syndrome is usually traced to people who experience intense emotional or physical stress.

"Young women these days, are more prone to this disease," Dr. Deb said.

How to reduce the chances of Takotsubo Syndrome?

According to Cardiologists, this syndrome may take time to go away. Rather than medicines, alleviating stress can benefit the patients.

Dr Mrinal Kanti Das, former secretary of Cardiology Society of India said, "Medicine can help but we suggest to meditate. Also, speak good, listen well. Try to avoid negativity," he added.