Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a common and serious condition, and it has several types, and it can affect anyone at any age.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that affects the heart muscle and makes the heart stiffen, enlarge, or thicken.

Causes and risk factors leading to cardiomyopathy

The cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown in a lot of cases. The causes generally include:

• Genetic mutations.
• Problems in the heart valve.
• Heart damage after a heart attack.
• Chronic hypertension.
• Chronic fast heartbeat.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Heart inflammation.
• Infections in the heart.
• High cholesterol diseases.
• Diabetes.
• Muscular dystrophy.
• Sarcoidosis.
• Amyloidosis.
• Thyroid disease.
• Pregnancy complications.
• Hemochromatosis.
• Lack of certain vitamins and minerals.
• Connective tissue disorder.
• The risk of cardiomyopathy increases due to the following factors: family history, personal history of heart attacks, long-term alcohol abuse, chemotherapy and radiation, obesity, and substance abuse.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy

Some people with cardiomyopathy might not have any symptoms, which include:

• Heart palpitations.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen.
• Swelling in the neck veins, legs, ankles, and feet.
• Coughing when lying down.
• Not being able to sleep while lying flat.
• Dizziness.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Cardiomyopathy could lead to blood clots, heart valve disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.

Diagnosis of cardiomyopathy

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of cardiomyopathy

There isn’t a cure for cardiomyopathy, but it can be managed by:

• Following a healthy lifestyle.
• Medications.
• Managing other conditions.
• Certain procedures.