Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively throughout the body. Over time, cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other serious complications. There are several types of cardiomyopathy, including dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic, each with different causes and characteristics.
Treatment Options
Medication
To improve heart function, control blood pressure, manage arrhythmias, and reduce fluid retention.
Lifestyle changes
A heart-healthy diet, regular light exercise (as advised by your cardiologist), managing weight, and avoiding alcohol or illicit drugs.
Implantable devices
Such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent life-threatening arrhythmias, or cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices.
Surgery
In some cases, surgical procedures may be required (e.g., septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or in severe cases, heart transplant).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cardiomyopathy always inherited?
Some types of cardiomyopathy, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, are often inherited. Others can be caused by infections, toxins (e.g., alcohol), prolonged high blood pressure, or unknown reasons.
Can I exercise with cardiomyopathy?
Your cardiologist will provide specific guidance on safe exercise levels, as intense exercise can be dangerous for some types of cardiomyopathy.
What is the prognosis for cardiomyopathy?
The prognosis varies greatly depending on the type, severity, and response to treatment. Early diagnosis and consistent management can significantly improve outcomes.
Do I need a heart transplant?
Heart transplant is a last resort for severe, advanced cardiomyopathy that doesn’t respond to other treatments, but it’s not needed for the majority of patients.