Scientists hope to recruit almost 100 Scots for a trial of the first ever treatment for a condition known as broken heart syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen are working on how to help those with takotsubo cardiomyopathy – a condition which affects around 5,000 people across the UK every year.
At least 7% of all heart attacks are attributed to the condition, where the heart muscle becomes suddenly weakened, usually because of severe emotional or physical stress.
Scientists will trial a programme of exercise and psychological therapies for those affected, with the work – described as a “huge step towards developing a standardised treatment” – taking place thanks to a grant of £300,000 from the British Heart Foundation
These trials to find the first ever treatment for the condition are a huge step forward— Professor James Leiper, British Heart Foundation
The university has already led the way on research into the condition, which was only recognised in the late 1990s.
The new trial aims to recruit 90 people from across Scotland, with participants signed up within three weeks of suffering an episode.
They will then be given either a personalised exercise conditioning programme, a regime of cognitive behavioural therapy, or be part of the control group.
The research is set to last for the next three years.
Dr David Gamble, from the University of Aberdeen, said: “Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome, remains a comparatively poorly understood condition.
“It is vital that we develop a high-quality evidence base to guide clinicians in the management of this condition.
“In many clinical intervention trials, we are attempting to make incremental improvements to existing treatments, but as broken heart syndrome is at such an early stage there is no established treatment to use as a base.”
Professor Dana Dawson, also from the university, said: “We already know that cardiovascular disease affects men and women in different ways, so there is no reason why a one-size-fits-all treatment should work for broken heart syndrome.
“After so long spent researching this condition, it is great to be taking this huge step towards developing a standardised treatment for it and we look forward to seeing the results in due course.”
Professor James Leiper, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Takotsubo syndrome is a sudden and potentially catastrophic heart condition which has only been recognised in recent years.
“As such, these trials to find the first ever treatment for the condition are a huge step forward and will play a significant role in increasing our understanding of this neglected area of cardiology.”
