A 50-year-old female from a rural area in sub-Saharan Africa presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety. She describes the chest pain as a crushing sensation in the middle of her chest that started while she was dealing with a stressful family situation. The pain is not relieved by rest and worsens with deep breaths. She denies any history of trauma, significant physical exertion, or prior heart disease.

On examination, her blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, heart rate is 110 beats per minute, and respiratory rate is slightly elevated. Auscultation of the heart reveals a normal rhythm with no murmurs. ECG shows ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads, and her troponin levels are mildly elevated. A chest X-ray shows no abnormalities, and an echocardiogram reveals left ventricular dysfunction with a characteristic "apical ballooning" pattern, consistent with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

The patient is diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, likely triggered by emotional stress. She is started on beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors to manage heart function and is advised to follow up with cardiology for further evaluation. Her condition is closely monitored, and she is reassured that recovery is expected, although it may take time.