What is Cardiomyopathy?
- Cardiomyopathy is a group of heart diseases that weaken the heart muscle.
- Types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Genetic factors: Inherited mutations can lead to cardiomyopathy.
- Viral infections: Certain viruses can damage the heart muscle.
- High blood pressure: Long-term high blood pressure can strain the heart.
- Heart valve problems: Faulty heart valves can affect heart function.
- Underlying conditions: Diseases like diabetes or thyroid disorders can contribute to cardiomyopathy.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath: Feeling breathless even during light activity.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy.
- Chest pain: Discomfort or pressure in the chest.
- Palpitations: Irregular or pounding heartbeat.
- Swelling in legs and ankles: Fluid buildup causing swelling in lower extremities.
Diagnosis and Medical Tests:
- Medical history review: The doctor evaluates your symptoms and medical background.
- Physical examinations: Checking vital signs and listening to the heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart.
- Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed pictures of the heart’s structure.
- Stress tests: Evaluate heart function during exercise.
- Genetic testing: Identifying genetic mutations related to cardiomyopathy.
Treatment Options:
- Medication: Prescribed to manage symptoms and improve heart function.
- Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Implantable devices: Pacemakers or defibrillators to regulate heart rhythm.
- Surgical interventions: Heart transplantation or ventricular assist devices for severe cases.
Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care:
- Heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity with your doctor’s guidance.
- Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
- Smoking cessation: Quit smoking to reduce further damage to the heart.
- Fluid intake monitoring: Control fluid intake to manage swelling and maintain heart health.
