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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy--working out???

Posted by megan1853 @megan1853, Feb 17, 2025

What exercises are recommended for recovering from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the first 3 month? I see studies from a British health group with a complete protocol for exercise and mental health for stress issues.
Any experience with these? Thank you.

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haywireangel03 | @haywireangel03 | Oct 9, 2025

I’ve been looking for something similar!

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carolfriend | @carolfriend | Jul 27 7:45pm

I'm 77 years old, and recently experienced extreme dizziness and tingling in my arms. On June 30, 2026, this was diagnosed as Takotsubo Myocardiopathy (Broken Heart Syndrome). There was no particular trigger that I can ascertain, though I had pushing myself physically--I'd been enthusiastically working out at the gym, biking, walking. I am now at home recovering, and continue to have daily experience of weakness and wobbliness in my legs, "jelly legs."
Questions: Have others had this weak, wobbly leg sensation?
Did you/ your physician determine the reason?
What has helped to mitigate the situation?
Thank you!

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2 replies
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megan1853 | @megan1853 | Jul 28 12:51am
In reply to @carolfriend "I'm 77 years old, and recently experienced extreme dizziness and tingling in my arms. On June..." + (show)
Profile picture for carolfriend @carolfriend

I'm 77 years old, and recently experienced extreme dizziness and tingling in my arms. On June 30, 2026, this was diagnosed as Takotsubo Myocardiopathy (Broken Heart Syndrome). There was no particular trigger that I can ascertain, though I had pushing myself physically--I'd been enthusiastically working out at the gym, biking, walking. I am now at home recovering, and continue to have daily experience of weakness and wobbliness in my legs, "jelly legs."
Questions: Have others had this weak, wobbly leg sensation?
Did you/ your physician determine the reason?
What has helped to mitigate the situation?
Thank you!

Jump to this post

@carolfriend
Hello!
I too have experienced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
It stemmed from a very emotionally painful conversation about my miscarriage. The room seemed to move toward me and I knew I was having an episode.
I was hospitalized for 5 days during which I was in and out of consciousness.
My recovery took several months before I wasn’t continually experiencing severe fatigue and brain fog. I did not have jelly legs as you have had; perhaps we present differently depending on the trigger— physical vs emotional causation. I don’t know.
I do know that I pay more attention to taking care of myself emotionally. I am working with a counselor to lessen impacts of potentially sudden sadness and/or anxiety provoking memories or situations.
I find EFT helpful. (Emotional Freedom Technique). And my Golden retriever. And not isolating.
I hope you recover. Wishing you all the best.
Megan in Oregon

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2 replies
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briarrose | @briarrose | Jul 28 10:08am
In reply to @megan1853 "@carolfriend Hello! I too have experienced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It stemmed from a very emotionally painful conversation..." + (show)
Profile picture for megan1853 @megan1853

@carolfriend
Hello!
I too have experienced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
It stemmed from a very emotionally painful conversation about my miscarriage. The room seemed to move toward me and I knew I was having an episode.
I was hospitalized for 5 days during which I was in and out of consciousness.
My recovery took several months before I wasn’t continually experiencing severe fatigue and brain fog. I did not have jelly legs as you have had; perhaps we present differently depending on the trigger— physical vs emotional causation. I don’t know.
I do know that I pay more attention to taking care of myself emotionally. I am working with a counselor to lessen impacts of potentially sudden sadness and/or anxiety provoking memories or situations.
I find EFT helpful. (Emotional Freedom Technique). And my Golden retriever. And not isolating.
I hope you recover. Wishing you all the best.
Megan in Oregon

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@megan1853
Hi Megan!
Can you please explain Emotional Freedom Technique?
I might be a candidate. I am a long sufferer of PTSD, panic disorder, anxiety and insomnia.
I have been in therapy since age 35 and I am now 71! Life has handed me lots of lemons and we are all different in our response to our life stressors. This is just me...but I do try in every way to overcome my difficulties and live a good and joyful life. Very hard at times especially coping with an adult son with mental illness who never listens to any well meaning advice!
And I am 14 months out from my bilateral mastectomy. Plus I have chronic heart disease also, in addition to, etc. I have those jelly legs too.
Thank you and all the very best to you.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Blessings.

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briarrose | @briarrose | Jul 28 10:22am
In reply to @carolfriend "I'm 77 years old, and recently experienced extreme dizziness and tingling in my arms. On June..." + (show)
Profile picture for carolfriend @carolfriend

I'm 77 years old, and recently experienced extreme dizziness and tingling in my arms. On June 30, 2026, this was diagnosed as Takotsubo Myocardiopathy (Broken Heart Syndrome). There was no particular trigger that I can ascertain, though I had pushing myself physically--I'd been enthusiastically working out at the gym, biking, walking. I am now at home recovering, and continue to have daily experience of weakness and wobbliness in my legs, "jelly legs."
Questions: Have others had this weak, wobbly leg sensation?
Did you/ your physician determine the reason?
What has helped to mitigate the situation?
Thank you!

Jump to this post

@carolfriend
Yes, I have those jelly legs also. Mine was triggered by a stressful incident believe it or not.
(I also have chronic heart disease, 14 months out from a bilateral mastectomy also. I am 71).
I have a long time history of PTSD, panic disorder, anxiety and insomnia.
Briefly, my husband and I were on vacation & as we arrived to our hotel there was a huge street festival going on - thus we could not park or find our way directly to our hotel, we were circling around & around blocks. I had to go to the bathroom very badly. There were no places I could go - but told my husband to stop and I would run into a restaurant. The street was cobble-stone. I was so afraid I was going to wet my pants.
As I crossed the street, my legs froze up. I felt I was going to fall and could barely walk. I had on sneakers and had to extend my arms straight out to walk. What a mess I was!
Clearly this was traumatizing for me. I have lots more to say...but that one incident began my jelly legs, canes and walkers to get around. And that was 5 years ago. I had PT many times, all kinds of tests on my legs (nothing was found). It is not related to my heart condition or any physical condition for that matter. It is psychological in nature.
All anxiety and fear of falling. And I have tried but can't get rid of it! It's all in my mind!
Wishing you all the best, hope you find your answer.

REPLY
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carolfriend | @carolfriend | Jul 30 9:08am
In reply to @megan1853 "@carolfriend Hello! I too have experienced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It stemmed from a very emotionally painful conversation..." + (show)
Profile picture for megan1853 @megan1853

@carolfriend
Hello!
I too have experienced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
It stemmed from a very emotionally painful conversation about my miscarriage. The room seemed to move toward me and I knew I was having an episode.
I was hospitalized for 5 days during which I was in and out of consciousness.
My recovery took several months before I wasn’t continually experiencing severe fatigue and brain fog. I did not have jelly legs as you have had; perhaps we present differently depending on the trigger— physical vs emotional causation. I don’t know.
I do know that I pay more attention to taking care of myself emotionally. I am working with a counselor to lessen impacts of potentially sudden sadness and/or anxiety provoking memories or situations.
I find EFT helpful. (Emotional Freedom Technique). And my Golden retriever. And not isolating.
I hope you recover. Wishing you all the best.
Megan in Oregon

Jump to this post

@megan1853
Thank you, Megan, I appreciate your response, and though as you point out, our triggers were different (your emotional, mine likely physical), it's good to hear you were on the mend in a couple of months. May your continued healing be steady. Enjoy that Golden!
Best,
Carol in Oakland CA

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1 reply
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megan1853 | @megan1853 | Jul 30 4:08pm
In reply to @carolfriend "@megan1853 Thank you, Megan, I appreciate your response, and though as you point out, our triggers..." + (show)
Profile picture for carolfriend @carolfriend

@megan1853
Thank you, Megan, I appreciate your response, and though as you point out, our triggers were different (your emotional, mine likely physical), it's good to hear you were on the mend in a couple of months. May your continued healing be steady. Enjoy that Golden!
Best,
Carol in Oakland CA

Jump to this post

@carolfriend thanks, Carol.
I have to add that my tendency to have fatigue is still ongoing. My Golden is content to nap next to the bed or couch when I’m resting.
Hoping your leg issue is resolving well and completely.
FYI, I didn’t mention I am 78. And still licensed to teach in Oregon.
Be strong and of good cheer, Carol!

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