Stress Cardiomyopathy and Health Inequities: Lessons from the Global South
Authors
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Plácido Argüelles Delgado
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, A-8036, Graz, Austria
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5600-8920
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70099/BJ/2025.02.03.12Keywords:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, broken heart syndrome, global health, stress-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular equity, gender medicine.Abstract
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), also known as "broken heart syndrome," is a transient cardiac dysfunction typically triggered by emotional or physical stress. Although it has been extensively described in high-income countries, its recognition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. The recently reported case from the Global South highlights how, even in the absence of advanced technologies such as cardiac MRI or 3D echocardiography, the combination of clinical acumen and basic diagnostic tools, including ECG, echocardiography, and coronary angiography, can lead to accurate diagnosis and favorable patient outcomes. Beyond its clinical aspects, this case emphasizes the psychosocial dimensions of TCM, especially its disproportionate impact on women and its association with emotional stressors in resource-constrained environments. The report underlines the urgent need to increase awareness, integrate gender-sensitive perspectives in acute cardiovascular care, and strengthen health systems to address stress-related cardiac conditions that may otherwise remain underdiagnosed.
References
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