Index
It is a condition in which the abnormal heart muscles have an irregular shape or size.
The main types of cardiomyopathy include hypertrophic dilatation and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy makes it more challenging to pump blood and carry it to the rest of your body. Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure.
Treatment
The cardiomyopathy can be treated. The procedure you will receive is based on what type of cardiomyopathy and how serious it is. Your treatment can vary, from medications to implanted devices such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator, in essential cases, a heart transplant.
What are your symptoms?
In the early stages, people with cardiomyopathy may not show any signs. However, as the disease progresses, the signs and symptoms usually appear. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy may include:
- Swelling of legs, feet, and ankles.
- Dyspnea with effort or even at rest.
- Fatigue.
- Inflammation in the abdomen due to the accumulation of fluid.
- Decubitus cough.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness, dizziness, and fainting.
- An irregular heartbeat that feels fast, strong, or fluttering.
No matter what type of cardiomyopathy you have, the signs worsen if not treated. In some people, this deterioration occurs rapidly, while in others, cardiomyopathy can not get worse for a long time.
When is it necessary to consult a doctor?
It is necessary to consult the doctor if you have one or more of the signs associated with cardiomyopathy. It is required to call the local emergency number if you experience severe breathing difficulties, fainting, or chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes.
Because the condition is hereditary on many occasions, the doctor may recommend examining all your family members to check for heart disease.
What causes cardiomyopathies?
Often, the cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown. In some people, doctors can equate some of the contributing factors. The possible causes of myocardiopathy are:
- Genetic conditions
- Long-term high blood pressure.
- Damage to the heart tissue from a previous attack on the heart.
- Increased regular heart rhythm.
- Problems in the valves of the heart.
- Metabolic disorders, such as obesity, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
- Nutritional deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals, such as thiamin (vitamin B – 1).
- The complications of pregnancy.
- The excessive consumption of alcohol for many years.
- The use of cocaine, amphetamines, or anabolic steroids.
- The use of some chemotherapy and radiation medications to treat cancer.
- Certain infections can damage the heart.
- The accumulation of iron in the heart muscle (hemochromatosis).
- A condition that causes inflammation and can cause bulges of cells to grow in the heart and other organs.
- A disorder that causes the accumulation of abnormal proteins (amyloidosis).
- Connective tissue disorders.
If you think you may have cardiomyopathy or are worried about the danger due to family history, it is advisable to make an appointment with your primary care doctor. You can be referred to a heart specialist (cardiologist).
