Cardiomyopathy

CARDIOMYOPATHY

 It is a progressive muscle disease of the myocardium (heart muscle) which makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood. It is caused by a range of factors from certain drugs to coronary heart disease. All these lead to heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems, or other complications.

Types of Cardiomyopathy:

1. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM):

The heart muscle becomes too weak to pump blood. The chambers of the heart expand as the muscles stretch and become thin. It can be inherited or due to coronary artery disease where the heart is enlarged.

2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

It is genetic and occurs when the heart walls thicken and prevent blood from flowing through the heart. It can also be due to prolonged high blood pressure or aging. Other causes can be diabetes or thyroid.

3. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD):

Though it is very rare it can lead to the sudden death of young athletes. Abnormal heart rhythm occurs because fat and extra fibrous tissue replace the muscle of the right ventricle.

4. Restrictive cardiomyopathy:

It is least common when ventricles stiffen and can’t relax to fill with blood. Scarring of the heart after a transplant might be a cause besides heart disease.

5. Peripartum cardiomyopathy:

This occurs within five months of delivery or the final month of pregnancy. It is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy and can be life-threatening.

6. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy:

The heart becomes enlarged due to excessive consumption of alcohol over a long duration of time. This is also a form of dilated cardiomyopathy.

7. Ischemic cardiomyopathy:

This occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood to other parts of the body because of coronary artery disease. Blood vessels become narrow and get blocked and deprive the heart muscle of oxygen. Whereas, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease are unrelated.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy

• Fatigue and general weakness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath especially due to exertion and exercise.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations
• Fainting attacks
• High blood pressure
• Edema or swelling in feet, legs and ankles

Who is at risk?

1. Family history of cardiomyopathy
2. Diabetes
3. Coronary heart disease
4. Obesity
5. Sarcoidosis
6. Hemochromatosis
7. Amyloidosis
8. Heart attack
9. Prolonged high blood pressure
10. Excessive alcohol consumption
11. HIV treatments
12. 12.  Lifestyle factors