Beta-Blocker Use After Takotsubo Syndrome

In a large observational study, beta-blocker use at discharge was associated with lower mortality risk, primarily in the first year.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), i.e., stress cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome, is a rare, nonatherosclerotic form of cardiomyopathy thought to be caused by a sudden surge of catecholamines. TTS is usually transient and occurs primarily in postmenopausal women (NEJM JW Cardiol Jan 26 2024 and JACC: Advances 2024; 3:100797). Although beta-blockers are commonly prescribed for these patients after hospital discharge, the efficacy of this treatment remains unclear.

In this observational study conducted in Europe, investigators examined the association between beta-blocker therapy at hospital discharge and long-term mortality and TTS recurrence among 2853 patients with confirmed TTS at discharge. During follow-up, outcomes were assessed through o…

Reviewing Author

Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, FACC

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBoehringer Ingelheim; Amgen; Novartis; Lilly; Amarin

Speaker’s BureauBoehringer Ingelheim

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsCirculation (Associate Editor)