Abstract
During an acute cardiac event, Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) apparently share very similar clinical characteristics. Since only a few inconsistent studies have evaluated the psychological features that characterize these different patients, the aim of the present explorative research was to investigate if post-recovery TTS and ACS patients present different psychological profiles. We also investigated whether the occurrence of acute psychological stressful episodes that had occurred prior to the cardiac event could be found in either syndrome. Twenty TTS and twenty ACS female patients were recruited. All patients completed self-report questionnaires about anxiety and depressive symptoms, perceived stress, type-D personality and post-traumatic symptoms. Results showed that only three subscales of health anxiety (i.e., Fear of Death/Diseases, Interference and Reassurance) significantly differed between the two groups, while no differences were found in the other psychological measurements. Moreover, personality traits seem to not be associated with the impact of the cardiac traumatic event. Finally, only TTS patients reported the presence of a significant emotional trigger preceding the acute cardiac event. In conclusion, post-recovery TTS patients differ from ACS patients in their level of concern about their health and in their need of reassurance and information only, probably as a result of the different clinical characteristics of the two illnesses.
Highlights
In the new era of personalized medicine, the analysis and care of psychological factors acquires a pivotal role in the clinical workflow
The Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) diagnosis was previously performed according to the following Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria: (1) presence of akinesia or dyskinesia of the apical and/or midventricular segments of the left ventricle with regional wall motion abnormalities that extend beyond the distribution of a single epicardial vessel; (2) presence of sign and symptoms suggesting Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS); and (3) absence of obstructive coronary artery disease, pheochromocytoma or myocarditis that could account for the condition
TTS and ACS groups did not differ in age, years of education, menopausal age and the period of time elapsed between the acute cardiac event and the time of assessment
Summary
In the new era of personalized medicine, the analysis and care of psychological factors acquires a pivotal role in the clinical workflow. Of particular interest in this context is the investigation of psychological characteristics of patients affected by different diseases who share very similar clinical symptoms, such as the Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) and the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Due to these similarities, TTS has been underdiagnosed for years and only recently researchers have started to pay closer attention to it. TTS is observed in men, especially in those on chemotherapy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
