A 56-year-old female developed Takotsubo syndrome 48 hours after experiencing physical and verbal aggression at work, highlighting the potential for workplace violence to precipitate this condition.
Case Report (n=1)
Workplace violence can precipitate Takotsubo syndrome, highlighting the need for preventive measures in healthcare settings.
BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome is also referred to as stress cardiomyopathy and typically occurs in females aged 55 years and older. This demographic represents a significant part of the healthcare workforce and they have over recent decades experienced increasing levels of violence from patients and clients. AIMS: Our study describes a Takotsubo syndrome that occurred following an incident of physical and verbal aggression at work in a teen health centre. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 56-year-old female community educator who suffered chest pain 48 h after suffering an aggressive incident at work. She had no history of cardiovascular disease. During hospitalization she was investigated with an electrocardiogram, echocardiography, coronary angiography, left ventriculography and a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Examinations confirmed the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This was deemed to be a work-related accident. With the help of her occupational physician, the patient was able to return to work with work adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing levels of violent behaviours towards staff in the health care sector underscores the need for measures in the workplace to help prevent precipitation of this syndrome in workers.
Alcaraz‐Mor et al. (Mon,) conducted a case report in Takotsubo syndrome (n=1). Physical and verbal aggression at work was evaluated on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy diagnosis. A 56-year-old female developed Takotsubo syndrome 48 hours after experiencing physical and verbal aggression at work, highlighting the potential for workplace violence to precipitate this condition.