Recovery & Support for Takotsubo Syndrome

Recovering from takotsubo syndrome, also known as broken heart syndrome or stress cardiomyopathy, involves both physical and emotional healing. The condition is usually reversible, and most people recover fully with appropriate treatment in the hospital, followed by ongoing care.

If you are diagnosed with takotsubo syndrome, it is crucial that you continue with follow-up care beyond your initial recovery to reduce your risk of future heart events. This allows your care team to adjust your treatment plan as needed and address any concerns you may have.

Our services support patients’ physical and psychological needs to help you recover and maintain heart health after experiencing takotsubo syndrome.

Rehabilitation Services

Our cardiologists work with specialists at NYU Langone’s Joan and Joel Smilow Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Center to design a safe and effective cardiovascular exercise program that can help you decrease future heart risk, improve physical strength and endurance, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Nutrition Counseling

Our nutritionists provide dietary counseling to help you manage your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight—all important factors to improving heart health. Through our Heart Healthy Nutrition Program, we offer menu planning to help you adapt your everyday diet to reach heart-healthy goals.

Psychological Services

At NYU Langone, our doctors understand that takotsubo syndrome may be associated with extreme stress in your life, and that experiencing the condition may cause additional anxiety and depression. We offer behavioral health support, with strategies for stress management and counseling. In addition, we encourage our patients to join one of our cardiac support groups, where you can share experiences, learn from the experiences of others, and find emotional support.

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial in managing the physical effects of emotional stress that can trigger takotsubo syndrome. Therapists can provide strategies to cope with stress and anxiety and help you understand and manage your reactions to stressful situations. We can also refer you to psychiatrists in our network if you need additional medical support for anxiety or depression.