AI Insight
Researchers have developed the BioTAK score, a diagnostic tool that uses biological sex and blood biomarkers to distinguish broken heart syndrome (takotsubo syndrome) from heart attacks without requiring invasive cardiac catheterization. The test was validated in a study of nearly 1,800 patients and correctly identified the condition in approximately 90% of cases. This non-invasive approach could help clinicians differentiate between these two conditions that present with similar symptoms.
Why it matters
This diagnostic tool could spare patients from unnecessary invasive cardiac catheterization procedures when they have broken heart syndrome rather than a heart attack. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis would allow for appropriate treatment selection and potentially reduce healthcare costs and patient risk associated with invasive testing.
Understand the Science
“Broken heart syndrome” can mimic a heart attack so closely that patients often need invasive testing to tell the difference. Researchers have now developed the BioTAK score, which combines biological sex with blood biomarkers to identify the condition before cardiac catheterization. In a validation study of nearly 1,800 patients, it correctly classified almost 90% of participants.
Source: “Broken heart syndrome” can look just like a heart attack. This test can tell them apart