Da Costa's syndrome: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Da Costa's syndrome
| image                  = [[File:In_this_undated_file_photo,_U.S._Army_Capt._Emil_Kapaun,_right,_a_chaplain_with_the_3rd_Battalion,_8th_Cavalry_Regiment,_1st_Cavalry_Division,_helps_a_Soldier_carry_an_exhausted_troop_off_the_battlefield_130311-A-CP123-001.jpg|250px]]
| caption                = Soldiers experiencing fatigue, a common symptom of Da Costa's syndrome
| synonyms                = Soldier's heart, effort syndrome, neurocirculatory asthenia
| pronounce              =
| specialty              = [[Cardiology]], [[Psychiatry]]
| symptoms                = [[Chest pain]], [[palpitations]], [[fatigue]], [[dyspnea]]
| onset                  = Typically [[young adults]]
| duration                = Chronic
| causes                  = Unknown, possibly related to [[stress]] and [[anxiety]]
| risks                  = High-stress environments, such as military service
| diagnosis              = Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other conditions
| differential            = [[Coronary artery disease]], [[panic disorder]], [[anemia]]
| treatment              = [[Reassurance]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[exercise]]
| medication              = [[Beta blockers]], [[antidepressants]]
| prognosis              = Generally good with treatment
| frequency              = More common in [[military personnel]]
}}
'''Da Costa's Syndrome''' (also known as '''Effort Syndrome''', '''Soldier's Heart''', and '''Neurocirculatory Asthenia''') is a condition characterized by a set of symptoms that include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, and chest pain. The syndrome was first described by Jacob Mendes Da Costa in 1871, during the American Civil War. It is considered a type of functional cardiac disorder and is often associated with anxiety or stress.
'''Da Costa's Syndrome''' (also known as '''Effort Syndrome''', '''Soldier's Heart''', and '''Neurocirculatory Asthenia''') is a condition characterized by a set of symptoms that include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, and chest pain. The syndrome was first described by Jacob Mendes Da Costa in 1871, during the American Civil War. It is considered a type of functional cardiac disorder and is often associated with anxiety or stress.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The primary symptoms of Da Costa's Syndrome include:
The primary symptoms of Da Costa's Syndrome include:
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* Chest pain that is not related to coronary artery disease
* Chest pain that is not related to coronary artery disease
* Dizziness or lightheadedness
* Dizziness or lightheadedness
Patients may also experience additional symptoms such as:
Patients may also experience additional symptoms such as:
* Anxiety or panic attacks
* Anxiety or panic attacks
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* Cold, clammy hands and feet
* Cold, clammy hands and feet
* Digestive disturbances
* Digestive disturbances
==Causes==
==Causes==
The exact cause of Da Costa's Syndrome is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to the autonomic nervous system's response to stress or emotional factors. It is not caused by structural heart disease or other physical disorders. Factors that may contribute to the development of the syndrome include:
The exact cause of Da Costa's Syndrome is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to the autonomic nervous system's response to stress or emotional factors. It is not caused by structural heart disease or other physical disorders. Factors that may contribute to the development of the syndrome include:
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* Physical exhaustion or overexertion
* Physical exhaustion or overexertion
* Traumatic experiences, such as those encountered in military combat
* Traumatic experiences, such as those encountered in military combat
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of Da Costa's Syndrome is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and medical history, as there are no specific tests for the condition. Physicians may perform various tests to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as:
Diagnosis of Da Costa's Syndrome is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and medical history, as there are no specific tests for the condition. Physicians may perform various tests to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as:
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* Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
* Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
* Stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular response to exercise
* Stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular response to exercise
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for Da Costa's Syndrome focuses on managing symptoms and may include:
Treatment for Da Costa's Syndrome focuses on managing symptoms and may include:
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* Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address anxiety or panic disorders
* Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address anxiety or panic disorders
* Medications, including beta-blockers to manage palpitations and antidepressants for anxiety
* Medications, including beta-blockers to manage palpitations and antidepressants for anxiety
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for individuals with Da Costa's Syndrome is generally good, with many patients experiencing improvement in symptoms with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. However, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms over the long term.
The prognosis for individuals with Da Costa's Syndrome is generally good, with many patients experiencing improvement in symptoms with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. However, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms over the long term.
==History==
==History==
The syndrome was first described by Jacob Mendes Da Costa in 1871, who observed the condition in soldiers during the American Civil War. It has been known by various names over the years, including Soldier's Heart and Effort Syndrome, reflecting the condition's association with military service and physical exertion.
The syndrome was first described by Jacob Mendes Da Costa in 1871, who observed the condition in soldiers during the American Civil War. It has been known by various names over the years, including Soldier's Heart and Effort Syndrome, reflecting the condition's association with military service and physical exertion.
==See Also==
==See Also==
* [[Cardiovascular disease]]
* [[Cardiovascular disease]]
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* [[Stress (biology)|Stress]]
* [[Stress (biology)|Stress]]
* [[Autonomic nervous system]]
* [[Autonomic nervous system]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Syndromes]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular diseases]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular diseases]]
[[Category:Mental health disorders]]
[[Category:Mental health disorders]]
[[Category:Stress]]
[[Category:Stress]]
{{Cardiology-stub}}
{{Cardiology-stub}}
<gallery>
File:In_this_undated_file_photo,_U.S._Army_Capt._Emil_Kapaun,_right,_a_chaplain_with_the_3rd_Battalion,_8th_Cavalry_Regiment,_1st_Cavalry_Division,_helps_a_Soldier_carry_an_exhausted_troop_off_the_battlefield_130311-A-CP123-001.jpg|In this undated file photo, U.S. Army Capt. Emil Kapaun, right, a chaplain with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, helps a Soldier carry an exhausted troop off the battlefield.
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 00:46, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Da Costa's syndrome
Synonyms Soldier's heart, effort syndrome, neurocirculatory asthenia
Pronounce
Specialty Cardiology, Psychiatry
Symptoms Chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, dyspnea
Complications N/A
Onset Typically young adults
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Unknown, possibly related to stress and anxiety
Risks High-stress environments, such as military service
Diagnosis Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other conditions
Differential diagnosis Coronary artery disease, panic disorder, anemia
Prevention N/A
Treatment Reassurance, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise
Medication Beta blockers, antidepressants
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency More common in military personnel
Deaths N/A


Da Costa's Syndrome (also known as Effort Syndrome, Soldier's Heart, and Neurocirculatory Asthenia) is a condition characterized by a set of symptoms that include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, and chest pain. The syndrome was first described by Jacob Mendes Da Costa in 1871, during the American Civil War. It is considered a type of functional cardiac disorder and is often associated with anxiety or stress.

Symptoms[edit]

The primary symptoms of Da Costa's Syndrome include:

  • Fatigue, especially after physical exertion
  • Shortness of breath or dyspnea
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
  • Chest pain that is not related to coronary artery disease
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

Patients may also experience additional symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Hyperventilation
  • Cold, clammy hands and feet
  • Digestive disturbances

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of Da Costa's Syndrome is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to the autonomic nervous system's response to stress or emotional factors. It is not caused by structural heart disease or other physical disorders. Factors that may contribute to the development of the syndrome include:

  • Psychological stress or anxiety
  • Physical exhaustion or overexertion
  • Traumatic experiences, such as those encountered in military combat

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of Da Costa's Syndrome is primarily based on the patient's symptoms and medical history, as there are no specific tests for the condition. Physicians may perform various tests to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart rhythm abnormalities
  • Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
  • Stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular response to exercise

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for Da Costa's Syndrome focuses on managing symptoms and may include:

  • Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and stress reduction techniques
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address anxiety or panic disorders
  • Medications, including beta-blockers to manage palpitations and antidepressants for anxiety

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with Da Costa's Syndrome is generally good, with many patients experiencing improvement in symptoms with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. However, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms over the long term.

History[edit]

The syndrome was first described by Jacob Mendes Da Costa in 1871, who observed the condition in soldiers during the American Civil War. It has been known by various names over the years, including Soldier's Heart and Effort Syndrome, reflecting the condition's association with military service and physical exertion.

See Also[edit]

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