Cardiomyopathy
is the disease of the heart muscle which can lead to heart failure (HF). Cardiomyopathy
makes it harder for your ticker to pump blood to the rest of the body. The
condition, in most cases causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick or
rigid. Diseased heart muscle tissue is replaced with a scar tissue in rare
instances. As cardiomyopathy worsens, the ticker becomes weaker and becomes
less able to pump blood throughout the body and loses the ability to maintain a
normal electrical rhythm which can result in HF or irregular heartbeats called
arrhythmias. Other complications, such as heart valve problems can also occur.
Before
discussing about the types and symptoms, learn about the life-saving CPR
procedure.
Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation is a life-saving procedure that combines chest compressions often
with rescue breaths in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function
until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and
breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a medical
emergency, and a victim would require immediate attention for survival. Proper
application of the CPR procedure can revive the life of a cardiac arrest
victim. CPR is useful in many emergencies including a heart attack or near
drowning in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
To undergo training
in CPR, select a certified training site, such as CPR Kanas City which
is an American Heart Association certified training site. Courses for
healthcare and non-healthcare providers are offered.
Symptoms
and Causes of Cardiomyopathy:
In the early
stages, there might be no signs or symptoms. But signs and symptoms usually
appear as the condition advances, including fatigue, swelling in the legs,
ankles and feet; bloated abdomen due to fluid buildup; breathlessness (even at
rest); cough while lying down; chest pressure or discomfort; feeling of rapid,
fluttering or pounding heartbeats; dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. If
left untreated, signs and symptoms can get worse. The condition worsens quickly
in some people whereas in others, it might not worsen for a long time.
Cardiomyopathy
cause is often unknown. Sometimes, it’s the result of another condition
(acquired) or passed on from a parent (inherited). Some factors that contribute
to acquired cardiomyopathy include chronic rapid heart rate; heart valve
problems; heart tissue damage from myocardial infarction (MI); obesity,
diabetes and other metabolic disorders; complications from pregnancy; buildup
of iron in your heart muscle; infections particularly those that inflame the
ticker; excessive alcohol consumption over many years; connective tissue
disorders; chemotherapy drugs usage and radiation to treat cancer; use of
cocaine, anabolic steroids, etc.; amyloidosis (disorder causing abnormal
protein buildup).
Cardiomyopathy
Types:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy- The pumping ability of your
ticker’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) becomes enlarged (dilated)
and cannot efficiently pump blood out of the ticker- in this type. It occurs
most often in middle-aged people and men are more prone. Coronary artery
disease or heart attack are most common causes.
Hypertrophic
Cardiomyopathy-
Abnormal thickening of your heart muscle, especially affecting the muscle of
your ticker’s main pumping chamber which can make it harder for the ticker to
work properly.
Restrictive
Cardiomyopathy- The
heart muscle becomes rigid and less elastic in this type, that’s why it cannot
expand and gets filled with blood between heartbeats. This is the least common
type, and most often affects older people.
Arrhythmogenic
right ventricular dysplasia- The muscle in the lower right chamber (right ventricle) is replaced by
a scar tissue in this type that can lead to heart rhythm problems.
Other types
of cardiomyopathy fall in the category of unclassified cardiomyopathy.
Prevention
Tips:
You cannot
prevent the condition in many cases. Your doctor should know if you have a
family history of the condition. Lower your chance of cardiomyopathy and other
types of cardiovascular disease by making lifestyle choices including
1. Eat a healthy diet
2. Perform regular exercise
3. Get adequate sleep
4. Reduce your stress
5. Avoid alcohol intake or cocaine
6. Manage high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and diabetes
Consult with
your doctor if you have one or more signs or symptoms associated with
cardiomyopathy. Dial 911 with immediate effect if you have severe difficulty
breathing, fainting or chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes.
Doctors might advise that your family members be checked as some types of the
condition can be hereditary.
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