The Gap In Meeting The Educational And Support Needs Of Women With Takotsubo Syndrome Compared To Women With An Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Takotsubo Syndrome is a condition that causes impairment in cardiac function in the absence of significant causative coronary artery disease. Takotsubo Syndrome is most commonly reported in older women, has identical presenting symptoms to acute coronary syndrome (ACS),but differs in cause, management and outcomes. Ongoing symptoms and recurrence of Takotsubo Syndrome are not uncommon but little support is available for these women.   Aims: This study compares (1) educational support and (2) participation rates in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation for women with Takotsubo Syndrome or acute coronary syndrome, and (3) ascertains whether or not they perceived similar benefits from these strategies.   Methods: 23 women with Takotsubo Syndrome and 23 age-matched women with acute coronary syndrome were mailed a structured questionnaire based on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) components.   Findings: The questionnaire response rate was 48% (n=11) for the Takotsubo Syndrome group and 30% (n=7) for the acute coronary syndrome group.  18% (n=2) of the women with Takotsubo Syndrome and 71% (n=5) of the women with acute coronary syndrome attended cardiac rehabilitation, with all attendees perceiving that it was beneficial in aiding their recovery.  Of the nine women with Takotsubo Syndrome that did not attend cardiac rehabilitation, 67% (n=6) perceived that it would have been helpful in aiding their recovery. Women with Takotsubo Syndrome were less likely to receive educational support about their condition, particularly stress management and participate in CR compared with women with ACS, despite perceiving that elements of CR would have been helpful in aiding their recovery.   Conclusions: Women with ACS had higher CR participation rates than those with Takotsubo Syndrome, and were more likely to receive educational support, particularly following hospital discharge.  The majority of women with Takotsubo Syndrome were not exposed to educational support in their recovery, suggesting a role for CR tailored to the needs of these women. Nurses can take practical steps to address these gaps by providing emotional support and education for women with Takotsubo Syndrome in stress management to enhance their quality of life and reduce potential recurrence.