“Broken Heart” and “Broken Brain”: Which Connection?

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.

More on an asymmetric life, transient global amnesia

“…The interesting observations of capture myopathy from animal literature appear similar to human reactions to trauma. [1][2][3] Case reports of scopolamine intoxication have been linked to TGA. Severe memory disturbances, characteristics of dry mouth, blurred vision, and tachycardia were evident.…”

Simultaneous occurrence of transient global amnesia and Takotsubo syndrome triggered by caring for a terminally ill relative

“…2 Emotional and physical stressors play a role as triggers for TGA and TTS, and coincidence of both conditions has been reported (Table 1). [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In a cross-sectional study of US hospitalizations from 2006 to 2014, there were 155,105 diagnoses of TTS. TTS was associated with TGA with an odds ratio of 2.3 (95% confidence interval 1.5-3.6).…”