Abstract

Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a multifaceted disease with a complex pathophysiology that not only affects the cardiovascular system but also the neuroendocrine systems and the psychological sphere of human beings. Excess catecholamines and hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system play a central role in myocardial function and microvascular integrity. There is increasing evidence that altered β-adrenergic receptors, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The possible genetic predisposition and the complex interplay between the cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems are also still under investigation. Our review aims to summarize the established knowledge of stress-induced cardiomyopathy and highlight recent findings to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiologic mechanisms and identify areas where further research is needed to expand our understanding and improve patient management.