Skip to content
Clinical Trials – home

Rare diseases

Investigational molecules

Locations

Our offerNewsroom

Recruiting

Study on the Effects of Adenosine, Dipyridamole, and Apixaban in Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

Takotsubo syndrome, often called broken‑heart syndrome, is a temporary heart problem that looks like a heart attack but is usually triggered by strong emotions. The study looks at three medicines: the injection called adenosine, the oral pill dipyridamole that helps keep blood vessels open, and the oral blood‑thinner apixaban that lowers the chance of clots.

The purpose of the study is to find out whether adding these medicines to the usual care improves heart recovery and reduces clot‑related problems. Participants are randomly placed into groups that receive either the adenosine‑dipyridamole combination or standard treatment, and a separate group may receive apixaban or no clot‑prevention drug. After treatment, patients are checked with an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography) and watched for about a month to see if any thromboembolic events such as stroke or heart attack occur.

Follow‑up visits continue for several months to record any repeat hospital stays, changes in heart function, or serious side effects, and the collected information is used to compare the outcomes of the different treatment groups.

The research process

The trial runs in 7 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, you will be required to provide written informed consent. This confirms your understanding and agreement to participate in the clinical trial.

  2. Step 2

    Initial assessment

    An initial assessment will be conducted to confirm your eligibility. This includes verifying that you are 18 years or older and have a clinical diagnosis of Takotsubo Syndrome with an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 50% at baseline.

  3. Step 3

    Randomization 1

    You will be randomly assigned to receive either the standard care or a combination of adenosine and dipyridamole. Adenosine is administered through infusion, while dipyridamole is taken orally as a prolonged-release capsule.

  4. Step 4

    Randomization 2

    In this phase, you may be randomly assigned to receive apixaban or no antithrombotic treatment. Apixaban is taken orally as a film-coated tablet.

  5. Step 5

    Medication administration

    If assigned to receive adenosine and dipyridamole, adenosine will be given as an infusion, and dipyridamole will be taken orally. If assigned to receive apixaban, it will be taken orally as a tablet. The specific dosage and frequency will be provided by the study team.

  6. Step 6

    Monitoring and follow-up

    Your health will be monitored throughout the study. This includes regular assessments of your heart function, such as measuring the ejection fraction at 48-96 hours and checking for any thromboembolic events or cardiac complications up until day 30.

  7. Step 7

    End of study

    The study will conclude with a final assessment of your health and any outcomes related to the treatment. Long-term follow-up may occur at 6 months and annually for up to 10 years to monitor for any lasting effects or complications.

Who can join the trial?

3 criteria

  • Age must be 18 years or older.
  • Must have a clinical diagnosis of Takotsubo Syndrome, which includes having an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 50% at the start. Ejection fraction is a measurement of how well the heart is pumping blood.
  • Must provide written informed consent, which means agreeing to participate in the study after understanding all the details.

Who cannot join the trial?

5 criteria

  • Patients who have a history of Takotsubo syndrome cannot participate. Takotsubo syndrome is a temporary heart condition often brought on by stress.
  • Patients who are not within the specified age range for the study cannot participate.
  • Patients who are part of a vulnerable population, which means they might need special protection or care, cannot participate.
  • Patients who are not able to follow the study procedures or take the study medications as required cannot participate.
  • Patients who have any other medical condition that the study doctors think would make it unsafe for them to participate cannot join the study.
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

We usually reply within a few days

Verified sites

All sites with verified contact details – recruitment status may not be available; ask directly

Trial locations

Where you can join this trial

Countries are shaded by recruitment status. Click a recruiting country to ask about joining there.

Recruiting
Not finding your country?

Not sure what to do next?

Joining a clinical trial can seem overwhelming. We guide you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we support you through the process.

See the full process and FAQ

Investigated drugs

  • Adenosine

    is a medication that helps to improve blood flow to the heart. In this trial, it is being used to see if it can help patients with Takotsubo Syndrome, a condition often referred to as "broken heart syndrome," by improving their heart function and overall health outcomes.

  • Dipyridamole

    is a medication that works by keeping adenosine in the bloodstream longer, which can help improve blood flow to the heart. In this study, it is used alongside adenosine to see if the combination can provide better results for patients with Takotsubo Syndrome compared to the usual treatments.

  • Apixaban

    is a medication that helps prevent blood clots. In this trial, it is being tested to see if it can reduce the risk of blood clot-related events in patients with Takotsubo Syndrome, compared to not using any blood-thinning medications.

What is already known about the treatment

  • Adenosine

    Adenosine is administered intravenously, meaning it is given directly into a vein through an injection. It is currently being studied for its potential benefits in treating Takotsubo syndrome, a condition often referred to as "broken heart syndrome." The main therapeutic use of adenosine in this context is to improve heart function and outcomes in affected patients. At the molecular level, adenosine works by binding to specific receptors in the heart, which can help regulate heart rhythm and improve blood flow. It is classified as an antiarrhythmic agent, which means it helps manage irregular heartbeats.

  • Dipyridamole

    Dipyridamole is taken orally in the form of a tablet. It is being investigated for its role in enhancing the effects of adenosine in patients with Takotsubo syndrome. The primary therapeutic indication for dipyridamole in this study is to support heart function by preventing the reuptake of adenosine, thereby increasing its availability and effectiveness. On a molecular level, dipyridamole inhibits the uptake of adenosine into cells, prolonging its action. It is classified as a vasodilator and antiplatelet agent, which means it helps widen blood vessels and prevent blood clots.

  • Apixaban

    Apixaban is an oral medication, typically taken as a tablet. It is being evaluated for its ability to reduce the risk of blood clots in patients with Takotsubo syndrome. The main therapeutic use of apixaban in this trial is to prevent thromboembolic events, which are dangerous blood clots that can travel through the bloodstream. Apixaban works by inhibiting a specific factor in the blood clotting process, known as Factor Xa, which helps prevent the formation of clots. It is classified as an anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner.

Investigated diseases

Takotsubo syndrome – Takotsubo syndrome is a temporary heart condition that often mimics a heart attack. It is characterized by sudden weakening of the heart muscle, leading to changes in the heart's shape and function. The condition is often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress. During the syndrome, the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, changes shape, resembling a Japanese octopus trap, which is where the name "Takotsubo" comes from. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats. The heart muscle typically recovers its normal function over time, but the condition can lead to complications if not monitored.
Trial detailsLast updated 13 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2022-501874-21-00Protocol codeBROKEN-SWEDEHEARTEstimated enrolment1 600 patientsSponsorVaestra Goetalandsregionen

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

Want to learn more about this trial or check if you can participate?

Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.