Efficacy of Beta-Blockers in Acute Management and Prevention of Recurrence in Takotsubo Syndrome

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a nonischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by a transient ballooning of the apical cardiac wall secondary to stress. Since its discovery and diagnosis in Japan in 1990, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has been known as a disease with a generally favorable prognosis due to the transient nature of its apical wall abnormalities. However, complications, including arrhythmia, hemodynamic instability, heart failure, intracardiac thrombus, and rupture, have all been reported in the literature, requiring flexible management of this unique pathology. Although therapy is guided by inciting factors and complication management, beta-blockers are a widely accepted acute and long-term treatment modality. We review the current literature describing the pathogenesis, medical evaluation, and treatment options for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This article aims to provide a greater understanding of the pathophysiology and further evaluate the efficacy of beta-blocker therapy when considering acute and long-term treatment and prevention of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.