Takotsubo CardiomyopathyGENETICNCT04513054
Is There a Genetic Predisposition for Acute Stress-induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy
A study testing Blood collection for genetic analysis in people with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, run by University of Aberdeen at 2 sites in United Kingdom.
Trial summary
Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome presents like a heart attack, classically is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress and can have serious health consequences. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any age
- Conditions the study is for
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
- What is being tested?
- Blood collection for genetic analysis
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 700 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesUnited Kingdom
- Study dates
- 12 Mar 2019to 31 Dec 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- All patients who have been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in Scotland between 2010 to date.
- Familial cases elsewhere in the world who would be willing to participate.
Who cannot join
- Unwillingness to participate
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United Kingdom2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Cardiac Research Office, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB25 2ZD
Dana Dawson, PhD, 01224 437969, dana.dawson@abdn.ac.uk
Amelia Rudd, HND, 01224 559573, a.e.rudd@abdn.ac.uk
- Recruiting
Cardiovascular Research Facility
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB25 2ZD
Amelia Rudd, MSc, 01224559473 ext. 01224559473, a.e.rudd@abdn.ac.uk
About this study
Official title: Is There a Genetic Predisposition for Acute Stress-induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy: The GENETIC Study
Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome presents like a heart attack, classically is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress and can have serious health consequences. In the current study the investigators wish to establish whether there is a genetic predisposition making certain people more susceptible to this condition. This could also have implications for their families.
Read the detailed description
Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy presents like a myocardial infarct, is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, and can have catastrophic and potentially fatal consequences. Despite data linking takotsubo cardiomyopathy with conditions that have a recognized genetic predisposition (such as mental health and neurological problems), a systematic and comprehensive characterisation of the genetic-epidemiologic factors in takotsubo is lacking. The researchers propose to further investigate this disorder by collecting blood from probands and characterising the genotype of patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a large scale, nationwide genome wide association study. The investigators will also archive DNA for identification of future candidate genetic variants. Ultimately, understanding the underlying predisposition of this poorly understood neuro-psycho-cardiac disorder is essential if we are to move this field forward.
- Conditions
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
- Being tested
- Blood collection for genetic analysis
- Medical subject headings
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Blood collection for genetic analysisGenetic
Blood collection for genetic analysis
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Takotsubo Case Arm | Other | A patient that has been diagnosed with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy from 2010 onwards. Receives: Genetic: Blood collection for genetic analysis |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Genome Wide Association Study
Genome Wide Association Study to search for susceptibility variants
Measured: At baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Aug 2020
- Study start12 Mar 2019
- Primary completion31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (21)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Takotsubo CardiomyopathyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- Single group observational study.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 700 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Aberdeen
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Dana K Dawson, MD, MPhil, Principal investigator, University of Aberdeen
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04513054
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2-025-18
- Acronym
- GENETIC
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Aug 2020
- Last updated
- 30 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Prasad A, Lerman A, Rihal CS. Apical ballooning syndrome (Tako-Tsubo or stress cardiomyopathy): a mimic of acute myocardial infarction. Am Heart J. 2008 Mar;155(3):408-17. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2007.11.008. Epub 2008 Jan 31.
PubMed 18294473Templin C, Ghadri JR, Diekmann J, Napp LC, Bataiosu DR, Jaguszewski M, Cammann VL, Sarcon A, Geyer V, Neumann CA, Seifert B, Hellermann J, Schwyzer M, Eisenhardt K, Jenewein J, Franke J, Katus HA, Burgdorf C, Schunkert H, Moeller C, Thiele H, Bauersachs J, Tschope C, Schultheiss HP, Laney CA, Rajan L, Michels G, Pfister R, Ukena C, Bohm M, Erbel R, Cuneo A, Kuck KH, Jacobshagen C, Hasenfuss G, Karakas M, Koenig W, Rottbauer W, Said SM, Braun-Dullaeus RC, Cuculi F, Banning A, Fischer TA, Vasankari T, Airaksinen KE, Fijalkowski M, Rynkiewicz A, Pawlak M, Opolski G, Dworakowski R, MacCarthy P, Kaiser C, Osswald S, Galiuto L, Crea F, Dichtl W, Franz WM, Empen K, Felix SB, Delmas C, Lairez O, Erne P, Bax JJ, Ford I, Ruschitzka F, Prasad A, Luscher TF. Clinical Features and Outcomes of Takotsubo (Stress) Cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med. 2015 Sep 3;373(10):929-38. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1406761.
PubMed 26332547Stiermaier T, Moeller C, Oehler K, Desch S, Graf T, Eitel C, Vonthein R, Schuler G, Thiele H, Eitel I. Long-term excess mortality in takotsubo cardiomyopathy: predictors, causes and clinical consequences. Eur J Heart Fail. 2016 Jun;18(6):650-6. doi: 10.1002/ejhf.494. Epub 2016 Mar 14.
PubMed 26990821Sy F, Basraon J, Zheng H, Singh M, Richina J, Ambrose JA. Frequency of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in postmenopausal women presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. Am J Cardiol. 2013 Aug 15;112(4):479-82. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.04.010. Epub 2013 May 16.
PubMed 23683950Scally C, Ahearn T, Rudd A, Neil CJ, Srivanasan J, Jagpal B, Horowitz J, Frenneaux M, Dawson DK. Right Ventricular Involvement and Recovery After Acute Stress-Induced (Tako-tsubo) Cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol. 2016 Mar 1;117(5):775-80. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.11.057. Epub 2015 Dec 13.
PubMed 26782339Dawson DK, Neil CJ, Henning A, Cameron D, Jagpal B, Bruce M, Horowitz J, Frenneaux MP. Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Heart Stressed Out of Energy? JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015 Aug;8(8):985-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2014.10.004. Epub 2014 Nov 1. No abstract available.
PubMed 25499134Scally C, Rudd A, Mezincescu A, Wilson H, Srivanasan J, Horgan G, Broadhurst P, Newby DE, Henning A, Dawson DK. Persistent Long-Term Structural, Functional, and Metabolic Changes After Stress-Induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 2018 Mar 6;137(10):1039-1048. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.031841. Epub 2017 Nov 11.
PubMed 29128863Tornvall P, Collste O, Ehrenborg E, Jarnbert-Petterson H. A Case-Control Study of Risk Markers and Mortality in Takotsubo Stress Cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Apr 26;67(16):1931-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.02.029.
PubMed 27102508Sharkey SW, Maron BJ. Epidemiology and clinical profile of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Circ J. 2014;78(9):2119-28. doi: 10.1253/circj.cj-14-0770. Epub 2014 Aug 5.
PubMed 25099475Pison L, De Vusser P, Mullens W. Apical ballooning in relatives. Heart. 2004 Dec;90(12):e67. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2004.046813.
PubMed 15547001Kumar G, Holmes DR Jr, Prasad A. "Familial" apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy). Int J Cardiol. 2010 Oct 29;144(3):444-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.03.078. Epub 2009 Apr 17.
PubMed 19375184Sharkey SW, Lips DL, Pink VR, Maron BJ. Daughter-mother tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol. 2013 Jul 1;112(1):137-8. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.02.063. Epub 2013 Apr 2.
PubMed 23561588Caretta G, Robba D, Vizzardi E, Bonadei I, Raddino R, Metra M. Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy in two sisters: a chance finding or familial predisposition? Clin Res Cardiol. 2015 Jul;104(7):614-6. doi: 10.1007/s00392-015-0837-0. Epub 2015 Mar 6. No abstract available.
PubMed 25743177Ikutomi M, Yamasaki M, Matsusita M, Watari Y, Arashi H, Endo G, Yamaguchi J, Ohnishi S. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in siblings. Heart Vessels. 2014 Jan;29(1):119-22. doi: 10.1007/s00380-013-0345-y. Epub 2013 Apr 7.
PubMed 23563753Wittstein IS, Thiemann DR, Lima JA, Baughman KL, Schulman SP, Gerstenblith G, Wu KC, Rade JJ, Bivalacqua TJ, Champion HC. Neurohumoral features of myocardial stunning due to sudden emotional stress. N Engl J Med. 2005 Feb 10;352(6):539-48. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa043046.
PubMed 15703419
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Is There a Genetic Predisposition for Acute Stress-induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy: The GENETIC Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04513054
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GENETIC / 2-025-18
- Conditions
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 700 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of AberdeenUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Aug 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome presents like a heart attack, classically is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress and can have serious health consequences. In the current study the investigators wish to establish whether there is a genetic predisposition making certain people more susceptible to this condition. This could also have implications for their families.
Detailed description
Acute stress-induced (takotsubo) cardiomyopathy presents like a myocardial infarct, is triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, and can have catastrophic and potentially fatal consequences. Despite data linking takotsubo cardiomyopathy with conditions that have a recognized genetic predisposition (such as mental health and neurological problems), a systematic and comprehensive characterisation of the genetic-epidemiologic factors in takotsubo is lacking. The researchers propose to further investigate this disorder by collecting blood from probands and characterising the genotype of patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a large scale, nationwide genome wide association study. The investigators will also archive DNA for identification of future candidate genetic variants. Ultimately, understanding the underlying predisposition of this poorly understood neuro-psycho-cardiac disorder is essential if we are to move this field forward.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- Single group observational study.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Takotsubo Case Arm | Other | Genetic: Blood collection for genetic analysisA patient that has been diagnosed with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy from 2010 onwards. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- All patients who have been diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in Scotland between 2010 to date.
- Familial cases elsewhere in the world who would be willing to participate.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Unwillingness to participate
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Blood collection for genetic analysisBlood collection for genetic analysis | Genetic | Takotsubo Case Arm |
Primary outcome
Genome Wide Association Study
Time frame: At baseline
Genome Wide Association Study to search for susceptibility variants
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Apr 2026.
- Background: PubMed 18294473Prasad A, Lerman A, Rihal CS. Apical ballooning syndrome (Tako-Tsubo or stress cardiomyopathy): a mimic of acute myocardial infarction. Am Heart J. 2008 Mar;155(3):408-17. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2007.11.008. Epub 2008 Jan 31.
- Background: PubMed 26332547Templin C, Ghadri JR, Diekmann J, Napp LC, Bataiosu DR, Jaguszewski M, Cammann VL, Sarcon A, Geyer V, Neumann CA, Seifert B, Hellermann J, Schwyzer M, Eisenhardt K, Jenewein J, Franke J, Katus HA, Burgdorf C, Schunkert H, Moeller C, Thiele H, Bauersachs J, Tschope C, Schultheiss HP, Laney CA, Rajan L, Michels G, Pfister R, Ukena C, Bohm M, Erbel R, Cuneo A, Kuck KH, Jacobshagen C, Hasenfuss G, Karakas M, Koenig W, Rottbauer W, Said SM, Braun-Dullaeus RC, Cuculi F, Banning A, Fischer TA, Vasankari T, Airaksinen KE, Fijalkowski M, Rynkiewicz A, Pawlak M, Opolski G, Dworakowski R, MacCarthy P, Kaiser C, Osswald S, Galiuto L, Crea F, Dichtl W, Franz WM, Empen K, Felix SB, Delmas C, Lairez O, Erne P, Bax JJ, Ford I, Ruschitzka F, Prasad A, Luscher TF. Clinical Features and Outcomes of Takotsubo (Stress) Cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med. 2015 Sep 3;373(10):929-38. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1406761.
- Background: PubMed 26990821Stiermaier T, Moeller C, Oehler K, Desch S, Graf T, Eitel C, Vonthein R, Schuler G, Thiele H, Eitel I. Long-term excess mortality in takotsubo cardiomyopathy: predictors, causes and clinical consequences. Eur J Heart Fail. 2016 Jun;18(6):650-6. doi: 10.1002/ejhf.494. Epub 2016 Mar 14.
- Background: PubMed 23683950Sy F, Basraon J, Zheng H, Singh M, Richina J, Ambrose JA. Frequency of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in postmenopausal women presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. Am J Cardiol. 2013 Aug 15;112(4):479-82. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.04.010. Epub 2013 May 16.
- Background: PubMed 26782339Scally C, Ahearn T, Rudd A, Neil CJ, Srivanasan J, Jagpal B, Horowitz J, Frenneaux M, Dawson DK. Right Ventricular Involvement and Recovery After Acute Stress-Induced (Tako-tsubo) Cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol. 2016 Mar 1;117(5):775-80. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.11.057. Epub 2015 Dec 13.
- Background: PubMed 25499134Dawson DK, Neil CJ, Henning A, Cameron D, Jagpal B, Bruce M, Horowitz J, Frenneaux MP. Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Heart Stressed Out of Energy? JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2015 Aug;8(8):985-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2014.10.004. Epub 2014 Nov 1. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 29128863Scally C, Rudd A, Mezincescu A, Wilson H, Srivanasan J, Horgan G, Broadhurst P, Newby DE, Henning A, Dawson DK. Persistent Long-Term Structural, Functional, and Metabolic Changes After Stress-Induced (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 2018 Mar 6;137(10):1039-1048. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.031841. Epub 2017 Nov 11.
- Background: PubMed 27102508Tornvall P, Collste O, Ehrenborg E, Jarnbert-Petterson H. A Case-Control Study of Risk Markers and Mortality in Takotsubo Stress Cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Apr 26;67(16):1931-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.02.029.
- Background: PubMed 25099475Sharkey SW, Maron BJ. Epidemiology and clinical profile of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Circ J. 2014;78(9):2119-28. doi: 10.1253/circj.cj-14-0770. Epub 2014 Aug 5.
- Background: PubMed 15547001Pison L, De Vusser P, Mullens W. Apical ballooning in relatives. Heart. 2004 Dec;90(12):e67. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2004.046813.
- Background: PubMed 19375184Kumar G, Holmes DR Jr, Prasad A. "Familial" apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy). Int J Cardiol. 2010 Oct 29;144(3):444-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.03.078. Epub 2009 Apr 17.
- Background: PubMed 23561588Sharkey SW, Lips DL, Pink VR, Maron BJ. Daughter-mother tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol. 2013 Jul 1;112(1):137-8. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.02.063. Epub 2013 Apr 2.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Dana K Dawson, MD, MPhil principal investigator
University of Aberdeen
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Blood collection for genetic analysis in people with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, run by University of Aberdeen at 2 sites in United Kingdom.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Amelia E Rudd, MSc (01224559473 ext. 01224559473, a.e.rudd@abdn.ac.uk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Genome Wide Association Study (time frame: At baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04513054, which also lists 21 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Apr 2026.