**Abstract**

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute and reversible abnormal condition of the heart also known as stress cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, or broken heart syndrome. It is an uncommon disease that mostly occurs among Asians though studies have shown its occurrence in other parts of the world. The typical takotsubo syndrome patient has a unique circumferential left ventricular contraction abnormality that extends beyond a coronary artery supply territory and appears to follow the anatomical cardiac sympathetic innervation.

The syndrome predominantly affects postmenopausal women and is often preceded by severe emotional or physical stress. The high risk of misdiagnosis on account of the similar clinical presentation between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and TTS patients makes it imperative to do a detailed diagnostic work up of suspected patients.

Diagnosis of TTS is made by elevation of cardiac enzymes, abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), visualization of abnormal myocardial wall motion, and demonstration of normal coronary arteries. Often, cardiac wall motion abnormalities resolve in weeks, and therapy is only necessary in hemodynamic unstable patients and if severe complications, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, thromboembolism, cardiac arrest, and cardiac wall rupture, occur. A universally acceptable guideline on TTS is necessary for its early diagnosis and optimal management.

**Keywords:** prevalence, diagnostic criteria, takotsubo syndrome, acute coronary syndrome
