Cardiomyopathy

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a 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 properly. 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.

What are the causes and symptoms of cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy can be hereditary, but it may also develop as a complication from other conditions. The most common risk factors for acquiring 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

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 get worse 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
• Out of breath with light activity or at rest
• Chest pain or pressure
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Heartbeats that feel irregular

How is cardiomyopathy treated?

While symptoms may not become severe for many years, cardiomyopathy can lead to a host of complications if left untreated, such as heart failure, blood clots, valve problems, or cardiac arrest.

To determine if you have cardiomyopathy, your physician may order one or more tests such as 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 minimizing the risk of complications. This can often be achieved through a combination of medications, surgically implanted devices, non surgical devices, or surgery.

The cardiology and vascular 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 feature only the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies.

Cardiomyopathy can’t wait. If you or a loved one are 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 schedule an appointment online.