What is cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a general term describing heart disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally stretched, thickened, or stiff. In cardiomyopathy, the heart's primary function—to timely and consistently supply the body with sufficient blood—is impaired. Cardiomyopathies are mostly inherited.
Common Types
Common types of cardiomyopathy include:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy - The heart’s ability to contract weakens, leading to an enlargement of the heart ventricles and the development of heart failure;
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - Characterized by hypertrophy (thickening) of the heart’s left ventricle, which obstructs blood flow;
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy - The rigidity of the ventricular walls reduces their elasticity, preventing the ventricles from filling with blood and causing heart failure.
Causes
The main causes of cardiomyopathy include:
- Genetics;
- Ischemic heart disease;
- Autoimmune diseases;
- Infections affecting the heart muscle;
- Inflammation of the heart;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Thyroid gland disorders;
- Muscular dystrophy;
- High cholesterol levels;
- Sarcoidosis;
- Amyloidosis;
- Hemochromatosis.
In some cases, the exact cause of the disease cannot be determined.
Symptoms
Cardiomyopathy is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Fatigue;
- Rapid heartbeat;
- Chest pain;
- Arrhythmia;
- Shortness of breath;
- Swelling of the legs or feet;
- Dizziness;
- Cough when lying down.
It is also possible for the disease to be completely asymptomatic.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing the disease include:
- Family history of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or sudden cardiac arrest
- Personal history of heart attack;
- Long-term use of cocaine or alcohol;
- Pregnancy;
- Stress;
- Radiation or chemotherapy for cancer treatment;
- Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30.
Complications
Complications of the disease can lead to heart issues such as:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat);
- Heart failure;
- Valve diseases;
- Sudden cardiac arrest;
- Cardiogenic shock.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes reviewing the patient’s medical and family history, as well as physical examination, and may involve:
- Laboratory tests;
- Chest X-ray;
- Cardiac CT;
- Cardiac MRI;
- Echocardiography;
- Electrocardiography (ECG);
- Stress test with physical exertion;
- Cardiac catheterization;
- Myocardial biopsy.
Treatment Methods
Treatment methods for cardiomyopathy depend on the type and severity of the disease and typically include:
- Lifestyle Changes - Healthy diet, regular physical exercise, smoking cessation, and weight management;
- Medication - Medication for heart failure, and as needed, anti-ischemic, antiarrhythmic, and anticoagulant medications;
- Angioplasty and Stenting - To open blocked arteries and improve blood flow;
- Surgical Operations - To repair or replace damaged heart valves;
- Interventional Treatment - Implantation of special devices (cardioverter-defibrillator, resynchronizer, pacemaker).
