"Broken Heart" and "Broken Brain": Which Connection?

Cardiol Res. 2022 Feb;13(1):65-70. doi: 10.14740/cr1336. Epub 2021 Dec 28.

Abstract

The interconnections between brain and heart are increasingly recognized. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as "broken heart syndrome", is characterized by a cardiovascular dysfunction provoked by an emotional or stressful situation. Similar events can trigger a neurological pathology called transient global amnesia. These conditions can occur simultaneously, although their precise connection is not well understood. We aim to present the case of a patient who experienced them and to review the relevant literature.

Keywords: Anterograde amnesia; Broken heart syndrome; Cerebral dysfunction; Neurocardiology; Neurologic stunned myocardium; Stress cardiomyopathy; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; Transient global amnesia; Transient loss of memory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports