Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome; A Nation-Wide Analysis

Background Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), a stress-induced transient left ventricular dysfunction, remains poorly understood, with an estimated incidence of 1-2% among acute coronary syndrome cases. This study investigates racial and ethnic disparities in hospital outcomes and clinical characteristics of TTS. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample data from 2016 to 2020, identifying TTS cases through validated ICD-10 codes. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 18, with logistic regression models adjusting for confounders to identify disparities in outcomes. Results The study included 32,785 TTS hospitalizations; the majority were White (80.5%), followed by Black (6.7%) and Hispanic (5.8%) patients. Minority groups, mainly Black and Hispanic patients, were younger (average age 63) and predominantly from lower-income brackets, while paradoxical Asians had the highest income bracket. Notable findings include Black patients showed the highest rate of stroke (4.8%, OR 2.1, p = 0.003). The rate of cardiogenic shock was highest among Asians (11%, OR 2, p < 0.001). Mortality rates were elevated in Black (2%, OR 1.5, p < 0.001) and Asian populations (1.8%, OR 1.97, p < 0.001). Conclusion Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in TTS outcomes, with minority groups having more in-hospital outcomes. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and further research to reduce healthcare inequities in TTS management.