Takotsubo is usually a temporary condition. Many people with takotsubo cardiomyopathy make a full recovery and their heart will return to normal within a few weeks, although it may take longer. Usually, takotsubo patients will stay in hospital while they begin to recover.

Cardiomyopathy refers to changes in the heart muscle. These changes prevent part or all of the heart from contracting normally. The outlook varies. It depends on the specific cause and severity of the cardiomyopathy. Some people have a cause that resolves on its own or after treatment. The survival rate of people with most types has improved dramatically. This is due to the increased number of treatments available.

While the original case studies reported on individuals in Japan, takotsubo cardiomyopathy has been noted more recently in the United States and Western Europe. It is likely that the syndrome previously went undiagnosed before it was described in detail in the Japanese literature.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, is a sudden stress-induced heart condition. It is not a heart attack but can cause similar symptoms. Underlying heart disease does not appear to be a factor, but a person will need hospital treatment.