Cardiomyopathy Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Cardiomyopathy Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle enlarges. This muscle becomes stiff, and in some cases forms scar tissue that is permanent. This muscle stiffness will affect the work of the heart in pumping blood and circulating it throughout the body. If left unchecked, over time this disorder will also affect heart rate and heart function as a whole.

There are several conditions that can increase a person’s risk of developing cardiomyopathy later in life. These risk factors include:

  • There is a history of heart problems in the family
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • There is a history of previous heart problems, such as a heart attack
  • Obesity
  • A habit of drinking alcoholic beverages
  • Using drugs
  • Using treatment for chemotherapy
  • Using drugs or radiation for cancer treatment
  • Have diabetes or hormone disorders
  • Presence of other diseases that can affect the heart, such as amyloidosis and sarcoidosis

Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms can be experienced by someone with cardiomyopathy, such as:

  • Shortness of breath on exertion or even at rest
  • Swollen feet
  • The stomach feels bloated because of the accumulation of fluid
  • Coughing while lying down
  • Easily tired
  • Heartbeat feels faster
  • Discomfort in the chest
  • Dizziness, dizzy vision, and frequent fainting

Reason

The exact cause of cardiomyopathy is not known. However, there are several things that can contribute to increasing the risk later in life, such as:

  • Continuous hypertension, not controlled
  • Heart tissue damage from a heart attack
  • The frequency of the heartbeat is fast and lasts for years
  • Heart valve disorders
  • Metabolic diseases such as obesity, thyroid, or diabetes
  • Deficiency of vitamins and minerals
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Too much alcohol consumption
  • Drug consumption
  • Currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • Have an infectious disease involving the heart
  • A buildup of iron in the heart (hemochromatosis)
  • Sarcoidosis, which is a condition that causes inflammation and accumulation of cells in the heart and other organs
  • Amyloidosis: abnormal protein formation
  • Connective and supporting tissue disorders

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy is determined on the basis of a medical interview and physical examination. During the medical interview, information related to the patient’s complaints will be dug deeper – such as shortness of breath, difficulty with activities, or pain in the chest. Patients will also be asked about matters relating to a history of heart disease in the family.

In addition, by using a stethoscope, the doctor will examine the physical condition of the patient in more detail. Additional sounds from the heart, such as noises or ‘clicks’ can indicate a heart problem. In addition, the presence of swelling in the legs can strengthen suspicion towards heart disease. The type of heart problem experienced by the patient will be confirmed through supporting examinations.

Types of investigations that can be performed to determine the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy generally include:

  • Blood test

Blood tests will be carried out to assess a person’s general health condition.

  • Chest X-ray

Through chest X-ray examination, the shape of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels can be assessed. A buildup of fluid in the lungs and an enlarged heart will appear on this examination.

  • EKG

The work of the heart is activated by means of electrical conduction from one part of the muscle to another in the chambers of the heart. This electrical conduction plays a role in triggering a pumping motion so that the heart can circulate blood throughout the body. Abnormalities in the electrical conduction and pumping systems can be recorded by electrocardiography or EKG.

  • Holter and Event Monitors

Holter and Event Monitors are small devices that can be worn by sufferers and function to record the work of the heart for a full 24 or 48 hours.

  • Echocardiographic

Echocardiography is an ultrasound of the heart that can be used to assess heart function, shape and condition of the heart in more detail.

  • Stress test

In the stress test, drugs are used to make the heart work harder and then an assessment will be carried out to determine the heart’s endurance can work properly.

Treatment

Treatment of cardiomyopathy can be done in several ways, both with and without surgery, namely:

  • Doctors can provide drugs to improve the pumping function of the heart, lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, slow the heart rate, and remove excess fluids from the body.
  • Patients can use a device in the form of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), ventricular assist device (VAD), or a pacemaker that will help the heart work better.
  • The doctor can suggest a non-surgical method in the form of ablation, which is the destruction of thickened heart muscle tissue, using either alcohol or radiofrequency waves.
  • Surgery involving the removal of damaged heart muscle and heart transplantation.

Complications

If not treated promptly, cardiomyopathy can lead to various complications such as:

  • Heart failure
  • Blockages in blood vessels
  • Sac valve disorders
  • Heart attack and sudden death

Prevention

Although the exact cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown, avoiding various risk factors can be the right step in prevention, namely:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
  • Maintain adequate sleep
  • Reduce stress
  • Avoid consuming alcohol and drugs
  • Carry out routine control if you have diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease

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