Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM)

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a condition which causes the heart to balloon (become enlarged) and weakened, resulting in the heart not pumping blood properly. Takotsubo is the name of a Japanese octopus trap, which is a similar shape to a heart with this condition.

In the following diagram, courtesy of Wikipedia, a heart with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is shown in figure A, compared to a normal heart in figure B.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

It is thought to be brought on by extremely stressful events, and affects how the heart works.

It is usually a temporary condition, and once treated most people recover within a few weeks.

For further information (including symptoms and treatment) on takotsubo cardiomyopathy, click on the following link to the CardiomyopathyUK website - Cardiomyopathy UK- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

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