Certain genes may play a role in this condition, which is more common in women. Researchers Michael Ward and Gemma Figtree are investigating.

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy is a poorly understood condition. It tends to occur in post-menopausal women, and has been linked to the effects of estrogen.

In affected patients the heart commonly forms a bulging shape, resembling an octopus trap (tako tsubo) – hence the name of the condition, which was first described in Japan.

Symptoms

Symptoms include chest pain and ECG abnormalities. These could suggest a heart attack after a major emotional stress. However, rather than an artery being blocked, these symptoms are due to a sudden weakening of the heart muscle. This usually returns to normal after a few weeks.

The project

The study aims to identify the role of genes in estrogen and signalling pathways that may alter the body's responses to stress. This work may increase our understanding of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, and of the heart's response to stress.