What is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects your heart muscle, making it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. The condition can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Types of Cardiomyopathy
1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Most common type
- Heart chambers become enlarged and weakened
- Affects left ventricle primarily
2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Heart muscle becomes abnormally thick
- Can be inherited
- May cause problems with blood flow
3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- Heart muscle becomes rigid
- Less common than other types
- Affects filling of heart chambers
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in legs and ankles
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain
Risk Factors
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Heart tissue damage from heart attacks
- Chronic diseases
- Certain medications
- Alcohol or drug abuse
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Cardiac MRI
- Genetic testing when appropriate
Treatment Options
Medications
- Beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Diuretics
- Anti-arrhythmic medications
Procedures
- Implantable devices (pacemaker, defibrillator)
- Surgery in some cases
- Heart transplant for severe cases
Living with Cardiomyopathy
Lifestyle Changes
- Regular moderate exercise
- Heart-healthy diet
- Stress management
- Regular medical check-ups
- Smoking cessation
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Severe chest pain
- Fainting
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Prevention
- Control blood pressure
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Manage stress