Landmark Scottish study on 'neglected area of cardiology'

Researchers in Scotland are to carry out the first ever national study into a potentially fatal heart condition which affects thousands of people in the UK. 

Clinical scientists at the University of Aberdeen have been given a grant of £215,000 from us to conduct a comprehensive epidemiology study into Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, described by researchers as a “neglected area of cardiology”.

The exact cause of the condition is not clearly understood but an acute episode can be triggered by severe emotional distress, such as the death of a loved one. As a result, when it was first discovered, it was also referred to as “broken heart syndrome”. However, researchers now believe it can be caused by a number of different factors, including intense physical trauma, but also lesser physical or emotional upsets or no incident at all. 

Acute symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain and as such it is often mistaken for a heart attack. It affects women and men of all ages and although a great deal of recovery occurs, there can be long-lasting damage to the heart muscle.

Professor Dana Dawson, from the University’s Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Unit and a Consultant Cardiologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, is leading the study and explains: “Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a sudden and potentially catastrophic heart problem sometimes caused by stress. But the condition has only been recognised in recent years and so our knowledge remains limited. As such, it is vital that we learn more about this neglected area of cardiology and its longer-term impact on patients.”

Shedding new light

The study looks to shed new light on what actually happens to people who have suffered Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Previous research from Aberdeen has shown that although a large amount of the heart function appears to recover quickly, it can continue to cause symptoms in some people. Initial evidence suggests that overall the longer-term outcome can be as significant as someone who has suffered a heart attack.

Professor Dawson’s study will examine data from all recorded cases of the condition in Scotland since 2010 and once complete, it’s hoped the findings will help inform future research trials and clinical practice. 

February marks National Heart Month and this project is one of thousands funded by us to help save and improve lives. Later this week, Professor Dawson will also take part in the our “Live and Ticking” event – a free online broadcast, which will focus on research into the condition and hear from those affected.

Our Head of BHF Scotland, James Jopling, said: “This is an exciting project which we hope will provide vital insight into a condition we want to understand more about. This study will help inform how we treat patients, identify those at particular risk and allow us to gain valuable information on potential therapeutic treatments that could be tested in future trials. Ultimately we hope it will bring us closer to understanding and rectifying this devastating and potentially fatal condition.”

Sign up to our free online event on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy on Wednesday 24 February. 

Sign up to our free Live and Ticking event