cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle tissue is abnormal. Difficulty to pump and deliver blood increases, putting an individual at risk for heart failure.

causes.

• genetic conditions
• long-term high blood pressure; chronic rapid heart rate
• metabolic disorders (obesity, thyroid disease, diabetes)
• alcohol, drugs, steroids
• heart valve problems; tissue damage from previous heart attack
• pregnancy complications; infections

3 types: dilated, restrictive, hypertrophic

DILATED

• most common type
• left ventricle becomes dilated; less pumping force
• more common in middle-aged men
• causes: genetic or result of conditions

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RESTRICTIVE

• least common typeheart muscle becomes less rigid & elastic
• heart muscle becomes less rigid & elastic
• can not expand & fill blood between heart beats
• found in older people
• no known reason, while sometimes due to other diseases that affect the heart and cause protein or iron build up

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HYPERTROPHIC

• abnormal thickening of heart muscle, especially the left ventricle
• makes it harder to pump blood
• can develop at any age; severe if during childhood
• causes can be linked with family history and genetic mutations

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signs & symptoms

• early stages may have none; symptoms advance with the condition
• breathlessness (even at rest)
• swelling (legs, ankles, feet)
• abdominal bloating due to fluid buildup
• cough while lying down
• fatigue
• chest pain, dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness

TESTING & DIAGNOSIS
your doctor will do a physical examination and examine your family history. Tests include: x-rays, echocardiograms, ECG's, treadmill stress tests, MRI's, CT scans, blood tests, and cardiac catheterization.

treatments.
Medication can be given to improve function, blood flow, lower blood pressure, and remove excess fluid to prevent blood clots. An ICD or pacemaker can be implanted to regulate the heart's rhythm. In Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, thickened heart muscle can be reduced through septal ablation or sepal myectomy.

PROGNOSIS
It is imperative to regularly see your doctor to monitor your condition. While heart failure is the ultimate potential threat, the condition can be regulated through treatment and healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking, losing weight, watching your diet, exercising, eliminaing stress, and sleeping are encouraged.

FACTS

• (dilated) 3:1 male-female ratio
• (hypertrophic) prevalent in males, but develops in females at an earlier age
• (dilated) more frequent in blacks than whites
• (restrictive) more prevalent in tropical Africa than Western world

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http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cardiomyopathy/basics/lifesty...
https://www.clinicalkey.com/topics/cardiology/cardiomyopathy.html