Takotsubo /tä·ko·tso'o·bo/ Noun: A transient cardiomyopathy also known as broken heart syndrome.
The Japanese word Takotsubo refers to an atypical (unusual) ballooning syndrome, or stressed induced cardiomyopathy where there is a sudden, yet temporary, weakening of a portion of the heart muscle (the pumping chamber in the left ventricle).
It has been popularly christened "broken heart syndrome" because it is often triggered by emotional or physical stress, primarily in women over the age of fifty. Takosubo's symptoms – chest pain and shortness of breath – can be hard to distinguish from a classic heart attack, even in trained professionals. If you or a loved one are experiencing such symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention at once.
What are WebDefs?
WebDefs – simple definitions of key terms relating to ministry and healing arts – are a regular feature of NHM Ministrants. Offered (where applicable) in conjunction with select key scriptural passages and analysis, WebDefs can be a useful starting place for exploring a topic of interest.