Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by reversible myocardial injury with distinctive regional wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle, usually precipitated by an emotional or physical stressor. This condition has a strong predilection for older women and has a trend of increasing incidence. The diagnosis can be made based on symptoms, biomarkers, electrocardiogram, coronary angiogram, and noninvasive imaging. It is frequently complicated by acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and ventricular thrombi. Evidence of the treatment of stress-induced cardiomyopathy is limited. Prognosis is not benign; it carries substantial mortality, similar to that of acute coronary syndrome.