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The GErman Italian Spanish Takotsubo (GEIST) Registry

The GEIST study, which stands for GErman Italian Spanish Takotsubo Registry, is a large international project collecting information on patients with Takotsubo syndrome. This condition is sometimes called 'broken heart syndrome'. Doctors are gathering details like patient characteristics, how the condition was diagnosed, the treatments given, and any problems that occurred in the hospital. They also want to understand patients' health and recovery in the short and long term. By bringing all this information together, they hope to get a clearer picture of Takotsubo syndrome, which could help improve care for future patients. They are looking at existing patient records and also new patients as they are diagnosed.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Prof. Dr. med. Ingo Eitel
Enrolment target
500
Start
01 Apr 2015
Estimated completion
01 Dec 2035

What is this study about?

The GEIST study is an important project that aims to gather as much information as possible about a heart condition called Takotsubo syndrome. This condition is also sometimes known as 'broken heart syndrome' because it can be brought on by severe emotional stress. While it shares some symptoms with a heart attack, it's actually different. Because it's not as common as other heart problems, doctors are still learning a lot about it.

This study is bringing together information from many hospitals across different countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain. By looking at a large number of patients, researchers hope to get a better overall understanding of Takotsubo syndrome. They are interested in things like who gets the condition, what symptoms they have, how it's diagnosed using tests like ECGs and scans, what treatments people receive, and any problems they might experience while in hospital or afterwards.

The main goal is to improve our knowledge of Takotsubo syndrome. By understanding the condition better, doctors can develop more effective ways to diagnose and treat it, and ultimately help people who suffer from it to have better health outcomes in the future. They are collecting information on both patients who have already been treated and those who are newly diagnosed.

Key takeaways

  • The GEIST study aims to understand Takotsubo syndrome better.
  • It collects information from many hospitals around the world.
  • Participation mainly involves researchers looking at existing medical records.
  • No new treatments or tests are given as part of this study.
  • The goal is to improve future care for people with Takotsubo syndrome.
  • You must be 18 or older and have Takotsubo syndrome to be included.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would generally need to have been diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome. This is the main requirement.

There are no specific reasons listed that would stop you from taking part, other than not having the condition itself.

Anyone aged 18 or over, regardless of whether you are male or female, could be included in the study if you meet the main condition.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Have I been diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome?
  2. Am I 18 years old or older?
  3. Am I comfortable with my medical information being used anonymously?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is gathering information that doctors have already collected during your hospital stay and follow-up appointments. This means you might not need to do anything extra. For some patients, if you don't have regular check-ups at the study hospitals, you might receive a phone call for a structured chat to ask about your health and how you're doing in the long term. There are no new medications or treatments involved, and you won't need extra tests just for this study. The total time involvement for you, if any, would likely be limited to a phone call if follow-up information isn't already available from your medical records.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study primarily involves researchers looking at information from your medical records. For some, there might be a follow-up phone call to gather extra long-term health details. This means there are very few direct risks to you as a patient, as you wouldn't be undergoing new procedures or taking new medications. The potential benefit is that by sharing your anonymous information (meaning your name and personal details won't be used), you are helping doctors worldwide learn more about Takotsubo syndrome, which could lead to better care for future patients. You always have the right to decide not to have your information included or to withdraw at any time.

Locations (2)

  • Universität zu Lübeck
    Verified postcode
    Lübeck, Germany· Recruiting
  • University of Foggia
    Verified postcode
    Foggia, Italy· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Takotsubo syndrome?

It's a temporary heart condition, often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, causing the heart muscle to weaken suddenly. It's sometimes called 'broken heart syndrome'.

Will I have to take any new medicine?

No, this study is about collecting information from your past and ongoing medical care; you won't be given any new medicine for the study itself.

Will I need extra doctor's visits?

It's unlikely. The study mostly uses information already gathered. You might receive a follow-up phone call if regular check-ups aren't happening at the study hospitals.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome can be included in the study.

How will my information be kept private?

The study will use your medical information in a way that protects your identity, meaning your personal details won't be linked directly to the data shared.

How to find out more

Ingo Eitel, Prof. Dr.

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "The GErman Italian Spanish Takotsubo (GEIST) Registry…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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