Researchers develop new test to distinguish broken heart syndrome from heart attacks

Researchers from the University of Zurich and the University of Greifswald have developed a new diagnostic method to distinguish Takotsubo syndrome, commonly known as “broken heart syndrome,” from a traditional heart attack. Because the symptoms—including chest pain, abnormal EKG readings, and elevated heart enzymes—closely mimic a myocardial infarction, patients often require invasive testing to determine the cause.

Takotsubo syndrome is a sudden cardiac condition most frequently affecting women after menopause. Unlike a heart attack, it is not caused by the blockage of coronary arteries but can be triggered by intense physical or emotional stress. It occurs in approximately 2 percent of patients suspected of having acute coronary syndrome and can account for up to one in ten women hospitalized with such conditions.

The new diagnostic system, called the BioTAK score, utilizes artificial intelligence to identify specific blood-based biomarkers that, when combined with biological sex, can accurately identify the syndrome. This clinical decision support system was tested on an independent group of nearly 1,800 patients.