Understanding Cardiomyopathy

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, your heart health means everything to us.

Our vascular and cardiovascular specialists at CardioVascular Health Clinic offer experience and expertise in all types of cardiomyopathy. 

Our physicians are committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care that meets your unique needs. Our state-of-the-art facilities only feature the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to cover all vascular and cardiovascular conditions.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy or is experiencing new or worsening symptoms consistent with the condition, don’t delay care. Instead, start your journey to a heart-healthy tomorrow with us. 

Let’s discuss cardiomyopathy in more detail, including what it is, potential symptoms, and effective treatment options fit for you.

What Is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a cardiovascular disease that affects the heart muscle and inhibits the heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. 

There are several types of cardiomyopathy, but the three most common are

1. Dilated cardiomyopathy—the heart’s left ventricle becomes enlarged and can no longer pump blood out of the heart effectively. This type most commonly affects middle-aged adults and is often caused by coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—the heart muscle thickens, making the heart work harder to function correctly. It tends to be hereditary.
3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy—the heart muscle becomes stiffer and less flexible, preventing the heart from expanding to fill with blood between heartbeats. It typically affects older individuals.

Cardiomyopathy Symptoms

There may be no symptoms in individuals with early cardiomyopathy, and their condition may not worsen for some time. 

In others, however, the symptoms tend to worsen as the condition advances and do not improve without treatment. 

These symptoms include

• Swollen legs, ankles, or feet
• Coughing while lying down
• Constant fatigue
• Bloating around the abdominal region
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Heartbeats that feel irregular

Cardiomyopathy Causes 

Cardiomyopathy can be hereditary, but it may also develop as a complication from other conditions. 

The most common risk factors for developing cardiomyopathy include

• Long-term high blood pressure
• Chronic rapid heart rate
• Heart valve problems
• Heart tissue damage from a previous heart attack
• Obesity, thyroid disease, or diabetes
• Pregnancy complications
• Use of amphetamines or anabolic steroids
• Connective tissue disorders
• Viral Illness

Cardiomyopathy Treatment

While symptoms of cardiomyopathy may not become severe for many years, this condition in itself can lead to a host of complications if left untreated, such as

• Blood clots
• Valve problems
• Cardiac arrest
• Heart failure

Early detection and comprehensive treatment are crucial to preventing long-term complications and overall escalation of cardiomyopathy. 

To determine if you have cardiomyopathy, one of our experienced physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners may order one or more diagnostic tests that could include a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, or treadmill stress test.

Treatment for cardiomyopathy is intended to manage the symptoms, prevent the condition from worsening, and minimize the risk of complications. This can often be achieved through a combination of medications, surgically implanted devices, nonsurgical devices, or surgery.

Cardiomyopathy can’t wait. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, or to determine your risk of developing cardiomyopathy, call CardioVascular Health Clinic today at (405) 701-9880 to schedule an appointment or book online now.