CARDIOMYOPATHY

 Basic information

description

Cardiomyopathy is an inflammatory disorder of the heart muscle. Damage to the heart muscle causes the heart to enlarge and weaken and not be able to pump enough blood to the body. In addition, blood moves more slowly through an enlarged heart, allowing blood clots to form. Cardiomyopathy may affect adults of any age and is more common in males.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• If the condition is severe enough to cause heart failure, the following symptoms may occur:
  • Rapid and abnormal heartbeat.
  • Shortness of breath (may be worse when lying down or being physically active).
  • Swollen legs, feet, and ankles.
  • Feeling tired and weak.
  • Chest pain.
  • Loss of appetite (but, a weight gain may occur).
  • Dizziness or fainting.
  • Cough.

causes

There are different types of cardiomyopathy. They can be caused by a variety of heath problems. Sometimes, no cause is found.

risk increases with

• Coronary artery disease.
• Abuse of cocaine, heroin, organic solvents, etc.
• Alcoholism.
• Cancer treatment.
• Certain infections or other medical disorders.
• Chronic rapid heart rate.
• Family history of cardiomyopathy.
• Heart tissue damage from a previous heart attack.
• Heart valve problems.
• Long-term high blood pressure.
• Metabolic disorders (e.g., thyroid disease or diabetes).
• Myocarditis, or inflammation of the walls of the heart.
• Nutritional deficiency.
• Pregnancy.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Avoid risk factors, where possible.

expected outcomes

Sometimes, the heart damage cannot be reversed. Improvement can occur. Treatment may help relieve symptoms and prevent further damage. Some patients may be considered for a heart transplant.

possible complications

• Congestive heart failure (can be life-threatening).
• Blood clots.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include chest x-ray, heart function studies, and blood tests. A tube-like instrument may be inserted into the heart and a biopsy (removal of a sample of heart tissue for testing) may be done.
• The goals of treatment are to help the symptoms and to prevent complications. Treatment steps may involve lifestyle changes, drug therapy, and surgery.
• Lifestyle changes can include stopping the use of alcohol and cigarette smoking, diet changes, weight loss, and limiting physical activity.
• Surgery may include implanting a pacemaker to change the heart rate and pattern. Surgery to remove part of the thickened heart wall or replace heart valves may be needed.
• A heart transplant may be recommended if other treatments are not successful. A long wait for a transplant is normal. A mechanical device may be used to temporarily help the heart's pumping function.

medications

Drugs may be prescribed to improve heart function, to slow and regulate the heart rate, get rid of extra fluid, lower blood pressure, relax blood vessels, and suppress the immune system.

activity

Follow medical advice about physical activity limits and when it is safe to resume sexual relations.

diet

• Eat a diet that is low in salt and fat. Avoid alcohol.
• Begin a weight-loss diet if you weigh more than is healthy for your body type.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has cardiomyopathy symptoms.
• Symptoms return after treatment.
• You have chest pain.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: