Description
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens and enlarge the heart muscle. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy, which is dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive, all affect the heart muscle.
Cardiomyopathy makes it harder for the heart to pump blood and deliver it to the whole body. There are many causes of cardiomyopathy, including coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease. Cardiomyopathy can cause heart failure.
Cardiomyopathy can be treated. This type of treatment that will be acceptable depending on the type of cardiomyopathy that are owned and how serious the case. Treatment may include drugs, surgically implanted devices, or in severe cases, with a heart transplant.
Cause
Most of the causes of cardiomyopathy is unknown. In some people, doctors can identify several factors that contribute. Possible causes of cardiomyopathy include:
1. Long-term high blood pressure
2. Heart valve problems
3. Cardiac tissue damage from previous heart attack
4. Chronic rapid heartbeat
5. Metabolic disorders, such as thyroid disease or diabetes
6. Malnutrition, vitamin, or essential minerals, such as thiamine (vitamin B-1), selenium, calcium, and magnesium
7. Gestation
8. Excessive alcohol use over the years
9. Abuse of cocaine or antidepressant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants
10. The use of some chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer
11. Certain viral infections, which can injure the heart and trigger cardiomyopathy
12. Accumulation of iron in the heart muscle (hemochromatosis)
Symptom
Some people who develop cardiomyopathy have no signs and symptoms during the early stages of disease. But because of deteriorating conditions, signs and symptoms usually appear. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy may include:
1. Shortness of breath with exertion or even at rest
2. Swelling of the ankles and feet
3. Abdominal bloating due to fluid buildup
4. Fatigue
5. Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid or pounding
6. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting
Treatment
The overall goal of treatment for cardiomyopathy is to manage the signs and symptoms, prevent worsening conditions, and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment may vary depending on the patient experienced cardiomyopathy.
1. Dilated cardiomyopathy
If diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend medications, surgically implanted devices, or a combination of both. Drugs may be prescribed include:
a. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
b. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for those who can not take ACE inhibitors.
c. Beta blockers to improve cardiac function.
d. Digoxin
e. Diuretics
2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Your doctor may recommend beta blockers for heart relax, slow pumping action, and stabilize the rhythm. These medications include Lopressor or calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Calan, Isoptin). Drugs are often the preferred treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
If the drug does not work, may need surgery or medical device for treating the condition. Options include:
1. Septal myectomy
2. Septal ablation
3. Pacemaker implantation
4. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
3. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Treatment for restrictive cardiomyopathy focuses on improving the symptoms. Doctors will recommend to pay attention to water and salt intake, and monitor your weight every day. The doctor also may suggest to take diuretics if sodium and water retention becomes a problem.
Patients may be prescribed medications to lower blood pressure and control the rapid heart rhythm or irregular. Many drugs are prescribed to cardiomyopathy may have side effects. Be sure to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor before taking this drug.
If you have a severe cardiomyopathy and medications can not control symptoms, heart transplantation may be an option. Due to shortage of heart donors, even those who are critically ill may have to wait long before a heart transplant.
In some cases, mechanical heart devices can help people with critical conditions as they wait for a suitable donor and appropriate.
Sources: MayoClinic
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