Takotsubo Syndrome and Air Pollution

"The exposure of patients to air pollution compounds in the two years prior to the occurrence of TTS will be analysed. We will investigate: PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, C6H6, SO2 e CO. Residential addresses will be obtained from medical records. Annual average 24-h of pollutants levels will be measured matching each individual's home address, and the ArpaLazio website (http://www.arpalazio.net/main/aria/sci/basedati/chimici/chimici.php), which provides the concentration of NO, NO2, NOx, PM10, PM2.5, O3, CO, C6H6, SO2 expressed in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). Hourly data are available for all gaseous pollutants, while the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 are expressed daily. Data will be obtained from the air quality monitor closest to each participant's residence that was active for the entire year, and short-term (daily and weekly) and long-term (annual) air pollution exposure will be quantified as daily, weekly, and annual average 24-h pollutants level of measurements before TTS."

All patients will undergo a clinical follow-up by telephonic interview and/or clinical visit at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months from hospital discharge, during which the incidence of MACE, defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal MI, transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure, and the recurrence of TTA in the past months will be investigated and collected.