Table 1

Diagnostic criteria for primary transient left ventricular apical ballooning

Major criteria

  • Reversible balloon-like left ventricular wall motion abnormality at the apex with hypercontraction of the basal segment

  • ST-T segment abnormalities on ECGs mimicking acute myocardial infarction

Minor criteria

  • Physical or emotional stress as triggering factors

  • Limited elevation of cardiac enzyme

  • Chest pain

Exclusion criteria

  • Ischaemic myocardial stunning

  • Subarachnoid haemorrhage

  • Pheochromocytoma crisis

  • Acute myocarditis

  • Tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy