Is There a Genetic Predisposition for Acute Stress-induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy: The GENETIC Study

Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy presents like a myocardial infarct, is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, and can have catastrophic and potentially fatal consequences. Despite data linking takotsubo cardiomyopathy with conditions that have a recognized genetic predisposition (such as mental health and neurological problems), a systematic and comprehensive characterisation of the genetic-epidemiologic factors in takotsubo is lacking. The researchers propose to further investigate this disorder by collecting blood from probands and characterising the genotype of patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a large scale, nationwide genome wide association study. The investigators will also archive DNA for identification of future candidate genetic variants. Ultimately, understanding the underlying predisposition of this poorly understood neuro-psycho-cardiac disorder is essential if we are to move this field forward.