Establishing the Incidence of Tako-tsubo Cardiomyopathy in Scotland
The STARR study is looking into a heart condition called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress. It can feel just like a heart attack, but the heart's main arteries aren't blocked. This project aims to find every case of Takotsubo in Scotland since 2010 to understand how common it is and what happens to people over time. Researchers will compare information from people with Takotsubo with data from people who've had heart attacks and healthy individuals. This will help them learn more about the condition, how it affects people, and how to improve care. The study is important because Takotsubo, despite not being a typical heart attack, can still be very serious.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called STARR, is all about a heart condition known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This condition is sometimes called 'broken heart syndrome' because it's often brought on by intense emotional stress, like grief, or extreme physical stress. When someone has Takotsubo, their heart reacts in a way that looks and feels very much like a heart attack. However, unlike a typical heart attack, the main blood vessels of the heart aren't blocked.
The STARR study wants to find out how many people in Scotland have been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy since 2010. They also want to understand more about what causes it, who gets it, and what happens to people's health in the long term after they've had it. To do this, medical records will be checked to identify everyone who has been diagnosed with this condition.
Once they've found these individuals, the researchers will collect information about their health journeys. They will then compare this information with data from two other groups: people who have had a heart attack, and a group of people from the general Scottish population who are similar in age and gender. By comparing these groups, the study hopes to get a clearer picture of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and how it compares to other heart conditions, ultimately helping doctors understand and treat it better.
Key takeaways
- The STARR study focuses on 'broken heart syndrome', known medically as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
- It aims to find all cases in Scotland since 2010 and study its effects.
- Data from patients with Takotsubo will be compared to heart attack patients and healthy people.
- This research uses existing medical records only; no new tests or appointments are involved.
- The goal is to improve understanding and treatment of this stress-induced heart condition.
Who may be eligible?
This study is identifying everyone in Scotland who has been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy since January 2010. If you have received this diagnosis, your medical records may be included in the study.
There are no other specific requirements for joining the study beyond having this diagnosis. The study is looking at medical records, not directly recruiting individuals to participate in new tests or treatments.
This means that if you have been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, your existing health information, collected as part of your regular medical care, could contribute to this important research.
- I live in Scotland.
- I have been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy at some point since January 2010.
- My medical records are held within the Scottish health system.
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If your medical records are identified as belonging to someone with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, information already held by health services will be used for this study. You won't be asked to attend any extra appointments, take any new medications, or undergo any additional tests specially for this research. Your involvement is entirely based on your existing health data.
Public Health Scotland will link different pieces of your health information together, such as details about your hospital visits, any medicines you've been prescribed, and your overall health outcomes. This helps the researchers understand the big picture of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy over time. The study uses information already collected as part of your routine care, so there are no new demands on your time or changes to your medical treatment due to this research.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Cardiac Research OfficeAberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
It's a heart condition, often called 'broken heart syndrome,' where stress makes your heart muscle change shape temporarily, mimicking a heart attack, but without blocked arteries.
Why is this study important?
It will help us understand how common Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is in Scotland and how it affects people over time, which can lead to better care.
Will I have to do anything if my data is included?
No, you won't need to do anything. The study uses health information already collected by your doctors, not new tests or appointments.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes, Public Health Scotland handles all data, and they will keep your information strictly confidential and use it anonymously where possible for the study.
Can I choose not to have my data used?
Yes, you have the right to ask Public Health Scotland not to include your data in research. You can contact them directly to do this.
How to find out more
Dana Dawson, MD, MRCP
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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