Research Studies

People with Takotsubo syndrome

There are many things that we still do not know about Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS), but it is reassuring to know that there are many researchers and scientists from around the world who are working to gain a better understanding of TTS so that we may develop better treatments in the future.  Some researchers may find it takes a while to find enough people with TTS to participate in their study.  This is because TTS is relatively rare when compared to medical problems such as heart disease or breast cancer.  Many people with TTS want to be involved in research studies to promote a better understanding of the condition.

We have listed research studies that are still recruiting participants here on this page.  If you meet the criteria for participation in the study and you are interested in participating, please contact the researcher/s using the contact details provided for further information.  All research studies are voluntary and there is no obligation for you to participate if you do not wish to do so.  If you are suitable for the study and wish to proceed, the researcher should provide you with a Participant Information Sheet and an Informed Consent Form that has details of the Institutional Review Board/Ethics Committee that approved the study.

Researchers

If you are a researcher and wish to have your study listed here, please complete the Request for Research Study Listing  form or contact us for further information.

The Takotsubo Registry (InterTAK)
The Takotsubo Registry is an international, observational web-based registry that collects data on patients with Takotsubo Syndrome with the aim of promoting a better understanding of this condition through dissemination of findings via presentations at annual congresses, conferences and publications in scientific journals. All cardiovascular centres are invited to participate by becoming a member of this large-scale international Registry.
For more information about the InterTAK Registry, CLICK HERE.

Contact details:
University Hospital Zurich,
Rämistrasse 100,
8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
PD Dr. med. Dr. rer. nat. Ch. Templin
Phone : +41 (0)44 255 95 85
Email: intertakregistry@usz.ch

Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute Takotsubo Registry & Proteomic Study

The Smidt Heart Institute Takotsubo Registry is conducting an observational study of people with Takotsubo syndrome. Participants in this study will be required to submit medical records (including echocardiograms and angiograms) electronically or mailed on a CD.

Registry participants will also be asked to provide an optional blood sample, which will be collected through an easy home-sampling kit. The kit will be sent to any participant's residence who agrees to participate in the repository. Registry participants will also be asked to complete a series of electronic questionnaires that enable participants to describe their own Takotsubo experiences. The data will be entered into a large database, together with demographic information and responses to electronic study questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:
Diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome
Agree to submit medical records

For more information about this study, CLICK HERE.

Exclusion Criteria:
Less than 18 years of age

Brain-Heart Connection in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

This is a pilot study designed to explore the brain-heart connection in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (syndrome).  Subjects will be required to participate in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cardiac scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, among other procedures, during rest, exercise, and mental stress. Researchers will compare women with Takotsubo to control subjects (healthy participants who do not have Takotsubo). For more information about this study, CLICK HERE.

Principal Investigator:                                                                                  
C. Noel Bairey Merz,
Professor of Medicine and Director of the Women's Heart Center,
Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute,
127 S. San Vicente Blvd,
Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion, Third Floor, A3600,
Los Angeles, CA 90048,
USA.

Contact:
Shivani Dhawan
310-248-6602
shivani.dhawan@cshs.org