What typically triggers Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often referred to as "broken heart syndrome," is primarily triggered by severe emotional or psychological stress. This condition mimics the symptoms of a heart attack and can be precipitated by intense experiences such as the loss of a loved one, a traumatic event, or extreme anxiety. The mechanism behind this involves a surge of stress hormones, like adrenaline, that can temporarily weaken the heart muscle, leading to the characteristic changes in heart function observed in patients with this syndrome.

The other options involve conditions that can affect the heart but do not specifically trigger Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Sudden heart attacks are related to coronary artery occlusion and typically do not result from emotional distress. Genetic mutations can predispose individuals to various types of cardiomyopathies but are not a direct trigger for Takotsubo. Chronic hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease generally, but it does not specifically cause the stress-induced changes associated with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why emotional stress is the primary trigger for this specific condition.