BioTAK tool developed to distinguish Takotsubo syndrome from heart attacks

An international team of researchers has developed a new diagnostic tool, named BioTAK, to help clinicians distinguish between a traditional myocardial infarction and Takotsubo syndrome, also known as “broken heart syndrome.”

Takotsubo syndrome often presents with symptoms identical to a heart attack, such as sudden chest pain and changes in electrocardiograms, which can lead to unnecessary invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization. The condition, which primarily affects postmenopausal women, is often triggered by intense physical or emotional stress and does not involve the blockage of coronary arteries.

The BioTAK system utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze a combination of biological sex and specific blood biomarkers. In a validation study involving nearly 1,800 patients, the tool correctly classified approximately 90% of participants, offering a non-invasive way to support clinical decision-making before more invasive investigations are performed.